After months of searching and multiple rounds of interviews with potential candidates, Point Park University announced the hiring of Dr. John Pearson as the University’s new provost on Monday.
Pearson comes from Stetson University in Deland, Fla., where he currently serves as associate vice president of Academics Affairs. He has worked at Stetson University in various roles for the past 26 years. Pearson holds a Masters of Arts and a doctorate in English from Boston University.
According to Point Park University’s press release, Pearson created and directed the General Studies Program at Stetson University for 10 years. The program was created “to improve the performance and retention of academically at-risk students.” Pearson also built an advising program geared toward undecided students called Stetson’s Discovery Program.
“John’s experience clearly shows a commitment to the same values that have allowed Point Park to thrive as a student-centered university with an eye toward innovation and community engagement,” Point Park University President Paul Hennigan said in the press release.
Pearson visited Point Park’s campus on Jan. 15 for a round of interviews with faculty to answer questions from students.
“I had a terrific experience during my visit to Point Park,” Pearson said in an email interview Monday. “The students, faculty and staff were welcoming, asking great questions and seemed fully engaged in their work.”
During his time on campus, Pearson said the faculty of the school stood out to him.
“I’m particularly excited about working with the faculty, who are a very talented, hardworking group of people focused on student learning. I’m also excited about working with the staff throughout the University; for they, too, are talented and hardworking,” Pearson said. “The senior leadership team, moreover, is the finest I’ve encountered in my career. Together, we will strive to offer the best student experience possible.”
Point Park’s urban campus makes it an interesting and unique school for both students and faculty, though Pearson believes his time at Boston University will help him make the transition from Stetson.
“I try to learn something useful from every experience,” Pearson said. “Having lived and studied in Boston for many years is helpful as I make the transition from Florida to Pittsburgh. As a student, I loved being on an urban campus, and I’m definitely looking forward to working at Point Park.”
Pearson replaces Karen McIntyre, who served in the position since Dec. 2010. McIntyre will take a yearlong sabbatical before returning to chair the recently created Department of Innovative Learning. Before serving as provost, McIntyre worked as the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences from Jan. 2007 to May 2009.
Pearson is expected to begin his duties as provost in June, according to Point Park University’s press release, though he said he will visit the University beforehand to familiarize himself with the campus and student body.
“Of course,” Pearson said, “I also have to find a place to live.”
