Framingham State University has a new provost. She starts work on Aug. 1
FRAMINGHAM — A Bridgewater State University educator has been tapped to serve as Framingham State University's next provost and vice president of academic affairs.
In a press release, the university announced that Kristen Porter-Utley, dean of the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics at Bridgewater State, has accepted the Framingham position and will start Aug. 1.
Related: Nancy Niemi hired to be Framingham State's next president
She replaces Ellen Zimmerman, a longtime anthropology professor at Framingham State who has been serving as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs since February 2020, when Angela Salas left after just nine months.
"Dr. Porter-Utley is an exceptional candidate for provost and we are thrilled she has accepted the position,” said FSU President F. Javier Cevallos, in a statement. “I’m grateful to the members of our search committee who helped us find a top candidate to fill this important role.”
Related: Cevallos takes yearlong position at Harvard Graduate School of Education
Cevallos is retiring June 30 after leading the university for eight years. He is being replaced by Nancy Niemi, who participated in the search for a new provost.
“I came away impressed with Dr. Porter-Utley’s vision for FSU and dedication to supporting students and faculty,” said Niemi, in a statement. “She understands the challenges higher education is facing and has a demonstrated record of launching and sustaining programs at Bridgewater State that have made a significant impact on the lives of students.”
Related: 'Grateful' Cevallos announces retirement from Framingham State
Before joining Bridgewater State, Porter-Utley spent 12 years at Keene State College, where she served as assistant dean of sciences, chair of the Biology Department and assistant, tenured associate and full professor of biology.
She holds a Ph.D. and master's degree in botany, as well as a bachelor's degree in environmental horticulture, all from the University of Florida in Gainesville.
"I am honored to serve as the next provost and vice president for academic affairs at Framingham State University,” Porter-Utley said in a statement. “I am excited to collaborate with President Niemi, faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners in the MetroWest region to ensure students continue to have access to excellent academic opportunities and experiences at the university."
Founded in 1839 as the nation’s first public university for the education of teachers, Framingham State now enrolls more than 6,000 students with 58 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences and professional fields.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Kristen Porter-Utley named provost at framingham state university
