Interim Provost's 2025-26 Progress Report

Jasmin Sorrell

Dr. Barbara Marinak’s first year as Interim Provost has been defined by what President Jerry Joyce calls a “collaborative, thoughtful and grounded” leadership style rooted in respect for faculty and shared governance.    

Marinak is no stranger to the university. Since joining the Mount’s faculty in 2011, she has steadily taken on leadership roles, serving as chair of the Education Department, later becoming a professor and dean in 2017 and most recently Dean of the School of Education before stepping into the Interim Provost Position.    

Over the years, she has contributed to major institutional efforts, including the university's Middle States re-accreditation process, the strategic integration of instructional technologies during the pandemic and the development and approval of new academic programs through the Maryland Higher Education Commission.   

Her appointment to a two-year term as Interim Provost, beginning July 1, 2025 reflects both her experience and the trust placed in her leadership as the university prepares for a national search for its next permanent academic leader during the 2026-27 academic year.    

Reflecting on her transition into the role, Marinak described a sense of honor and responsibility. “I was honored to be asked by President Joyce to serve the Mount as Interim Provost,” she said. She also emphasized her commitment to building upon the work of previous leadership.   

A key area of continuity and growth has been student support. Under her leadership, the university expanded its advising infrastructure. This created a more robust Office of Advising led by Lucas Dayhoff. This model brings together professional advisors and faculty to support students not only academically, but athletically and financially.  

Looking back on the year, Marinak points to several defining accomplishments. Among them is the continued development of the advising office, which she sees as central to student success.  She also highlighted with the helping efforts from CLA Dean Bryan Zygmont and Professor Ed Egan, the launch of an affordable study abroad program at the Clonmore House in Dublin. This offers students opportunities in both the fall and spring semesters.   

In addition, plans are well underway for a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program which is expected to launch in fall 2027. This is an initiative she credits to strong faculty collaboration and support.   

While the year brought achievements, it also presented new challenges. One of the most complex has been navigating the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence across higher education.  

Marinak acknowledged the issue as both "interesting" and, at times, “perplexing.” In response, the university established an AI Task Force led by the Vice President of Mission and Ministry Dr. Layton Field and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Title IX Coordinator Dr. Love Sechrest to explore the ethical and effective use of AI in both academic and administrative settings.    

Throughout her decision-making, Marinak has maintained a clear guiding principle that students come first. “Students are the focus of all that we do in Academic Affairs,” she explained.  

Along with this, she noted that her decisions are consistently shaped by what best supports student success. This philosophy is echoed by her colleagues, who describe her leadership as both student-centered and community driven.   

Those who have worked with Marinak emphasize her ability to balance continuity with progress. Joyce noted that Marinak “stepped into the role at an important time and provided the continuity the University needed while still moving key academic priorities forward. She is an effective partner in advancing our work around academic excellence and student success.

With her steady presence and collaborative approach she made a stabling and forward-looking impact, building trust while maintaining momentum.”  

Dean of Education Dr. Stacy Brown-Hobbs also added to Marinak’s commitment to communication and collaboration. “Dr. Marinak has provided a strong communication network of academic expectations within the university,” she said. Brown-Hobbs also added, “She puts students first and is a strong advocate for the academic and advising teams that support our students while elevating academic excellence." 

Marinak herself describes her leadership style as deeply rooted in personal connection. “I am not  a big fan of email,” she said. “I believe solutions and innovations emerge from face-to-face conversations.” She emphasizes open dialogue and accessibility, fostering an environment where “lively discussions are always welcome” and where her role is to remove obstacles and provide the resources needed for others to succeed.    

As her first year ends, Marinak reflects on how fast it has passed. “The year went very quickly,” she said, expressing both gratitude for the progress made and enthusiasm for what lies ahead.   

Looking towards the 2026-27 academic year, she remains energized by ongoing initiatives and focused on continuing to strengthen the university’s academic  

mission.