Marie Mora, Ph.D., deputy provost at Metropolitan State University of Denver, has accepted the position of provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at Purdue University Northwest, in the Chicagoland area. In her new role, she will work with faculty and staff to guide academic excellence, research and workforce–development initiatives. Mora will officially join Purdue Northwest on July 15.
“Dr. Marie Mora is a deeply committed academic, an economist and researcher and a DEI expert whose leadership at MSU Denver has been invaluable,” said President Janine Davidson, Ph.D. “From her work on our efforts as a Hispanic–Serving Institution to stepping into the role of interim provost, she has served with skill and grace and will be missed.”
Mora joined MSU Denver in 2022, co-creating and co-leading the implementation of the Student Success pillar of the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan. She also guided the restructuring of the Division of Academic Affairs budget, the hiring of several key academic leaders and much of the critical work around overhauling faculty workload.
Only six months into her role as deputy provost, Mora stepped in to fill the role of provost ad interim. Her inclusive and measured leadership approach helped guide MSU Denver through some very challenging times.
“I am proud of my collaborative accomplishments at MSU Denver,” Mora said, “including co-leading the Student Success launch to enhance student and academic success; helping to move us closer toward a sustainable and student-centered differentiated faculty workload; restructuring budgets in the Division of Academic Affairs; and working closely with (Diversity and Inclusion) VP Michael Benitez and his team on HSI initiatives.”
As Purdue Northwest’s chief academic officer, Mora will oversee six colleges, the Office of International Programs and Partnerships, retention efforts, institutional effectiveness and the Office of Sponsored Research.