Katie Lynch has been named the new provost and vice president of academic affairs at Brookdale Community College, the school announced Tuesday.
Lynch brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in higher education and academic affairs leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in literary studies from the University of Wisconsin, where she showcased her academic accomplishment with a focus on medieval literature. She has a Master of Arts in literary studies from the University of Wisconsin and a Bachelor of Arts in English and history (magna cum laude) from Dartmouth College.
She began in the role Jan. 2.
Lynch brings a wealth of experience to the role. She recently served as the officer in charge of academic affairs at Rockland Community College in New York, where she spearheaded daily operations and strategic priorities. Notably, she achieved a remarkable 43% completion rate in course learning outcome assessments by the end of Fall 2022, up from an inherited 10-20%.
Amid a challenging budget environment, she also demonstrated fiscal stewardship, resulting in a $2 million cost savings for 2023-2024. Her commitment to student success is evident in implementing new initiatives, including creating a First Year Experience director and securing Title V funding to support the position.
Brookdale President David Stout welcomed her.
“Dr. Lynch’s extensive experience spearheading diverse academic affairs in her previous role positions her as a catalyst for elevating our institution,” he said. “Her demonstrated ability to strategically align and advance key initiatives, along with a dedicated focus on student success, ensures that Brookdale will thrive under her leadership.”
Lynch said she is eager to make her mark.
“I see my role as uplifting the dedicated individuals who teach and support our students by learning from their successes, facilitating their effectiveness, fostering growth and embracing productive discomfort as we collectively strive for continuous improvement,” she said.
