On July 1, 2013, Creighton will have the honor of welcoming Edward R. O’Connor, PhD., into the university position of Provost; responsible for the nine schools and colleges as well as Student Life and University Ministry.

According to Deborah Daley, director of Creighton News and Public Media, Dr. O’Connor is coming from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut where he has held the position of both a professor and the dean of the School of Health Sciences since 2007.  It’s very evident that O’Connor holds the credentials to become Creighton’s first Provost.  Not only did he graduate with masters in business administrations and leadership in healthcare from Yale University School of Management, but he also earned his doctorate from Albany Medical College in New York, doing extensive research in the culture of cells and receiving leadership, teaching, and leadership awards along the way.

The role of the Provost is the chief academic officer of a University serving to promote institutional quality, equality, and strategic advancement related to the academic mission.  Victoria Roche, chair of the Search Committee, has good insight on the duties of a Provost and how they will evolve into the lifestyle of Creighton”

“As Dr. O’Connor will be Creighton’s first Provost, it is clear that he will be the University leader to envision, initiate, and operationalize opportunities for academic, innovation, support the development for academic innovation, support the development of our faculty, staff, and students to allow us to achieve our academic vision.”

Not only has O’Connor led a very academic based lifestyle, but he has other passions as well.  From 1994 to 2008 he was the head coach for the men’s cross country and track team at Quinnipiac.  His catalytic leadership style will fit well at Creighton, as he believes in the power of community and has experience with promoting service learning and outreach initiatives, values that will complement Creighton’s Jesuit mission.

The president of Creighton University Father Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., has nothing but good things about gaining O’Connor as Provost as well.

“Dr. O’Connor has a wealth of experience and will be an invaluable member of the Creighton community as we invigorate the University in the strategic planning process and further our academic mission.”

“Dr.O’Connor will bring high academic credentials and experiences to the provost position along with the personal qualities that draw people to him,” Roche said.  “He is an innovator, an initiator, and a genuine and reliable collaborator.”  With the induction of Dr. O’Connor as Prevost, the academic image Creighton University will benefit.