Joseph J. Foy, Ph.D. President | Benedictine University

Benedictine University has proudly announced the appointment of Dr. Katherine (Kate) Lang as the institution's next Provost and Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Lang brings with her a wealth of experience and a proven track record of academic leadership, making her a valuable addition to the university.

Dr. Lang's impressive background includes serving as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. Prior to this role, she spent over twenty years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she excelled in various capacities, including teaching history, chairing the department, and leading the creation of the university's first online degree completion program.

Her academic journey is a testament to dedication and resilience, starting as a first-generation college student and earning her BSFS from Georgetown University and a PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago.

With a diverse range of experiences, Dr. Lang is well-prepared to take on the role of Provost. She currently serves as a peer reviewer for HLC, bringing valuable insights into accreditation and recommended practices in higher education. Her background in supporting student activities and engagement positions her to lead Benedictine University towards new horizons in curricular and co-curricular programming.

In a statement, Dr. Lang expressed her excitement about joining Benedictine University, saying, "I am delighted to join the very special community that is Benedictine University. Preparing students to excel in their careers and live Benedictine values has never been more important."

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Dr. Lang is married to artist David Knowlton and takes pride in her children's achievements. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and gardening. Benedictine University looks forward to the leadership and expertise that Dr. Lang will bring to her new role as Provost and Chief Academic Officer.