Dr. Laura Hartley

Dr. Laura Hartley joined the University of La Verne in fall 2024 as Interim Provost and VP of Academic Affairs. In July 2025, she transitioned to the role of Senior Executive Advisor in the Office of the President. In this role, she provides leadership for strategic projects working with the president and other members of the PEC.

With more than 25 years of higher education experience, Hartley has a broad understanding of all facets of strategy and operations in multifaceted multicultural organizations. She is driven by a personal mission to create hospitable spaces where people can thrive. Hartley previously served four different private universities on the east and west coasts in the roles of Grants Office, Professor, Associate Dean, Dean, and Provost.

Dr. Hartley received her Doctor of Philosophy degree from Michigan State University in Linguistics with an emphasis in Sociolinguistics in 1999, a Master’s degree in Linguistics from MSU in 1996, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Mathematics, Communication, and World Languages) from Wheaton College (IL) in 1991. She has participated in the Penn State Academic Leadership Academy, the Leadership Development Institute and Advanced Women’s Leadership Institute of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and the Senior Leadership Academy of the Council of Independent Colleges.