Beverly Wendland, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, will begin her tenure as Washington University’s next provost July 1, officials from the University announced today.

Wendland will succeed interim provost Marion Crain, who has served in her position since July 15 when former provost Holden Thorp stepped down.

A search committee comprised of ten faculty members, led by Chancellor Andrew Martin, worked over the summer and fall semesters to select the next provost.

Courtesy of Washington University Public Affairs

Beverly Wendland will begin her tenure as the University’s next provost July 1.

Since joining Johns Hopkins as a faculty member in the biology department in 1998, Wendland oversaw the creation of the Humanities Institute designed to advance the university’s approach to humanities-based research and education. She also prioritized increasing diversity of faculty and graduate programs, as well as playing a key role in the creation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute, which works to improve civic engagement through research and dialogue.

The goal of the search process, according to Martin, was to find the best chief academic officer in the United States. During the interview process, Wendland stood out to the committee because of her immense experience at Johns Hopkins and her commitment to the role.

“And I think what really most impressed us about her is her ability to continue to improve the quality of the academic program she was responsible for, improve education, improve research, and improve the quality of the faculty,” Martin said. “She’s accomplished a lot in her previous position, and I think that we’re quite confident she’ll be able to do the same thing here at Washington University.”

Martin also said that Wendland’s background aligns well with the goals detailed in his inaugural address, specifically regarding academic distinction and access.

According to Wendland, need-blind admissions are a priority for both her and Martin. This aim is consistent with Wendland’s work to increase diversity of all forms at Johns Hopkins, which became need-blind in 2018.

“It’s something that I’ve been a part of, and I totally believe in it, and I’ll certainly do my best to support the effort to get there at Wash. U. as well,” Wendland said.

Wendland will be present at a reception celebrating the announcement today in Holmes Lounge at 4 p.m. All members of the University community are invited to attend.

When Wendland begins her tenure as provost, she said she hopes to take time to acclimatize to the University and St. Louis before deciding the ways in which she will take action.

“The first thing I’m going to have to do is just learn a lot because I’ve been at one institution for over 21 years, and I know it very well,” Wendland said. “And I have to make sure that I don’t make assumptions that things work the same way here as they do where I’ve been for so long. I’m really excited about just keeping my eyes and my ears open and and learning as much as I can and having the community of Wash. U. tell me what are the highest priorities.”