Robert Morris University has named Dr. Joseph Zimmer as the next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs per a press release by the university. Zimmer will begin his role starting June 1, 2023.

The next Provost comes from St. Bonaventure University where he served as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs since 2015. While at St. Bonaventure University, Zimmer “established its School of Health Professions, added 25 new majors and graduate programs, and increased its online graduate student population from 40 students in 2015 to over 650 students in 2022.”

Dr. Joseph Zimmer has also “served as interim president from 2021-2022 providing steadfast leadership for his institution during some of the most challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Before becoming Provost at St. Bonaventure, Dr. Joseph Zimmer was Dean at the university and taught in the School of Education for 22 years. He has several publications in the field of reading. Zimmer has a “bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in teacher education, a master’s in English Education, and his doctorate in Reading Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo.”

RMU President, Dr. Michelle Patrick, spoke on the addition of Zimmer as Provost, “As we continue to focus on delivering a comprehensive student experience that will drive their academic growth and long-term success, our Chief Academic Officer will play a vital role. I know that Dr. Zimmer’s extensive academic background and his passion for student success will help us continue to thrive,” Patrick said.

As Robert Morris continues to rebuild their administrative team under President Michelle Patrick, they welcome Zimmer at the end of the 2023 spring semester.