Wayne State University has a new provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, the university announced in a news release on Aug. 3.
Christina Bloebaum, who most recently served as the dean of
the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State University in Ohio, will officially begin in her role at Wayne State on Aug. 10. The Wayne State Board of Governors approved her appointment on July 31.
"Dr. Bloebaum possesses strategic vision, proven leadership skills, organizational acumen and an intense commitment to student and faculty success," Wayne State President Richard Bierschbach said in the news release. "She believes deeply in the mission of Wayne State and will bring energy and creativity to the opportunities and challenges facing WSU and public higher education."
Bloebaum takes over for Keith Whitfield, who was named the interim provost at the end of last year after Laurie Lauzon Clabo resigned in November 2025.
Bloebaum emerged from a national search as a "collaborative and future-focused leader with an outstanding leadership record of academic innovation, student success and institutional growth," the news release said.
Bloebaum said she was drawn to Wayne State for its distinct mission and connection to Detroit.
"Wayne State has built remarkable momentum in student success, academic and research excellence, and community impact," she said in the release. "I believe we can and should strive to become the nation’s premier urban research university."
Under her leadership at Kent State, the university increased student enrollment by 40%, launched new undergraduate and graduate degree programs and expanded international and regional recruitment partnerships, among other accomplishments, the news release said.
She joins Wayne State as the university launches a refreshed strategic plan aimed at advancing teaching, supporting student learning and engaging with the Detroit community.
Before Kent State, Bloebaum held leadership positions at Iowa State University, the National Science Foundation and the University at Buffalo, according to the news release.
Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Wayne State names new provost as it launches refreshed strategic plan
