The Office of the Provost is responsible for overseeing the University's academic programs, faculty matters, student academic affairs, and strategic academic planning. The office has existed in some form since the University opened for classes in 1855, but was not so named until 1950 when Harvey Henry Davis, formerly executive dean of the Division of Research and Teaching, was appointed Provost. The title of the position has changed over the years, though the office's function has remained essentially the same.

In 1963, following Dean Davis's retirement, the position was renamed Vice President for Instruction and Dean of Faculties, and Ray L. Heffner, Jr., was appointed to the post. He was succeeded in 1965 by Willard L. Boyd as Vice President for Academic Affairs. The title of Provost was restored in 1969 when Mr. Heffner was again named to the position soon after Mr. Boyd was inaugurated as the University's 15th president.

In 1973, May Brodbeck was appointed by President Boyd to succeed Mr. Heffner as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculties, a position she held until 1981. Richard Remington followed Ms. Brodbeck, serving until 1989, when he was succeeded by Peter E. Nathan. In 1993, the title of Provost was reinstated a third time and Mr. Nathan continued to serve in that capacity until 1996. Jon Whitmore served as Provost from 1996 to 2004, and Michael Hogan succeeded him in 2004.

[D. McCartney; 12/2006]