University of La Verne Announces New Provost
Dear University of La Verne Community,
We are pleased to announce that Ken O’Donnell will join the University of La Verne as our new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, effective June 1, 2025. Mr. O’Donnell brings extensive experience in academic leadership, student engagement, and equity-focused initiatives.
Currently serving as vice provost and professor of communication at California State University, Dominguez Hills, Mr. O’Donnell has led initiatives that emphasize innovation and social justice, particularly for underserved and first-generation college students. His leadership includes advancing experiential learning and high-impact educational practices to enhance student success.
With nearly 25 years in higher education, Mr. O’Donnell’s career includes contributions at the CSU Office of the Chancellor, where he worked with trustees and state leaders on systemwide student success initiatives. He has shared his expertise through national conferences and workshops, focusing on deep learning, real-world applications of academic experiences, and the evolving role of public universities in higher education reform. Earlier in his career, Mr. O’Donnell served as a screenwriting faculty member and assistant dean at Chapman University’s film school. Before entering academia, he worked as a film writer and producer. *
As provost and chief academic officer, Mr. O’Donnell will guide efforts to uphold the university’s academic standards, foster excellence in teaching, and promote scholarly and creative endeavors. He will collaborate with our community to advance accessibility, academic innovation, and the continued integration of liberal arts education into our programs.
To our faculty and staff who participated in the selection process, thank you. Mr. O’Donnell’s leadership will be instrumental in supporting our mission and strengthening our academic programs.
Please join us in welcoming Mr. O’Donnell to the University of La Verne in June. Together, we look forward to this exciting new chapter of growth and collaboration.
In community,
Risa E. Dickson, PhD
* O’Donnell holds a master’s degree in film production from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s in French literature from Northwestern University. His interdisciplinary background bridges the creative industries and higher education, offering a distinctive perspective on preparing students for an evolving workforce.