����������

Denison University is pleased to announce the appointment of Alisa J. Rosenthal as its next Provost and Chief Academic Officer, effective July 1, 2026.

Dr. Rosenthal currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, where she has been a member of the senior leadership team since 2019. At Randolph-Macon, Rosenthal has provided strategic academic leadership across curriculum innovation, faculty recruitment and retention, shared governance, and the successful launch and accreditation of new academic programs, including graduate and professional degrees.

“Alisa is an exceptional academic leader whose deep commitment to a liberal arts education, faculty excellence, and student success aligns powerfully with Denison’s mission and aspirations,” said Denison President Adam Weinberg. “She brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to academic leadership, a strong record of partnership with faculty, and a clear understanding of how academic innovation and rigor prepare students for successful lives and careers. I am thrilled to welcome Alisa to Denison and look forward to working with her in the years to come.”

Prior to her role at Randolph-Macon College, Rosenthal spent more than 15 years at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where, in addition to serving as a Professor of Political Science, she held multiple leadership positions, including Associate Provost for Sciences and Education, Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Director of the Kendall Center for Engaged Learning. In her time there, she was recognized for excellence in teaching with both faculty and student-selected awards, and she was selected as an American Council on Education Fellow.

“Denison is a widely respected leader in the liberal arts, where the faculty are known for being exceptionally committed to supporting students, both before and after they graduate,” said Rosenthal. “I’ve known President Adam Weinberg and Provost Kim Coplin for more than a decade and have tremendous respect for their leadership and vision. With the recent addition of exciting new programs, increasing alumni engagement, and expanding national recognition, there couldn’t be a better time to become a Denisonian. I’m looking forward to partnering with Denison’s faculty and staff to continue its growth and momentum.”

At Denison, Rosenthal will assume the duties of retiring Provost Kim Coplin ’85, one of the longest-serving and most successful provosts in higher education. Coplin’s career ���������� has spanned more than three decades — including 12 years as provost — and the university has benefited enormously from her dedication to the liberal arts, love for Denison, and understanding th���������� is defined by relationships.

“Dr. Rosenthal is a leader who brings a steadfast commitment to the liberal arts and a collaborative spirit, and I feel confident th���������� will benefit from her experience and thoughtful approach,” said ���������� Committee Co-Chair and Psychology Professor Erin Henshaw. “I’m grateful to the committee for their dedication and thoughtfulness. We are so fortunate ���������� to have faculty, staff, and trustees who give their time generously and are truly committed to the future of the college.”

Rosenthal holds a B.A., magna cum laude, in political science and history from Beloit College in Wisconsin, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her academic work centers on constitutional law and political theory.

“We look forward to welcoming Dr. Rosenthal, who brings to Denison a wealth of experience as a faculty member and administrator with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities at a liberal arts institution,” said Quentin Duroy, ���������� Committee Co-Chair, Economics Professor, and Director of International Studies. “I am also very grateful for the time and care the committee gave to find a Provost eager and ready to join our vibrant community.”

A native of Scarsdale, New York, Rosenthal, her husband Matthew, and their two cats, Dusty and Magpie, look forward to joining the Granville community.

���������� Committee Members

• ���������� Committee Co-Chair: Quentin Duroy, Professor, Economics, Director of International Studies, The Judy Gentilli Chair in International Studies
• ���������� Committee Co-Chair: Erin Henshaw, Professor, Psychology
• Matthew Cross Jungers, Associate Professor, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geosciences
• David English, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President for Finance and Management
• Monica Graffeo, Academic Administrative Assistant, Global Commerce
• Jeff Kurtz, Professor, Chair of Communications
• Diana Mafe, Professor, Director of the Lisska Center for Intellectual Engagement
• Jeff Masten ’86, Trustee, Former chair of the Academic Affairs Committee
• Tiffany Ozbun, Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations and Intermurals
• Abigail Pringle ’96, Trustee, Current chair of the Academic Affairs Committee
• Jeff Thompson, Dean of the Faculty, Professor of Biology
• Micaela Vivero, Professor, Visual Arts and Latin American & Caribbean Studies

���������� Committee Support

• Raj Bellani, Vice President of External Affairs, Career Outcomes & Chief of Staff
• Sam Cowling, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs