Lewis University names provost

David J. Livingston, president of Lewis University, announced that Christopher Sindt, Saint Mary's College of California vice provost for academic affairs, will become the provost of university, effective July 1.

"All of us at Lewis University look forward to the talent and skill Christopher will bring to our community as our provost," Livingston said.

Sindt said, "I've admired Lewis for many years for its commitment to liberal learning paired with professional education, and I am delighted to be joining the Lewis community."

During his 17 years at Saint Mary's, Sindt provided exceptional academic and administrative leadership, serving as program director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing, the associate dean of the School of Liberal Arts, the dean of the Kalmanovitz School of Education, the vice provost for graduate and professional studies, and the vice provost for academic affairs. He has led initiatives in several areas, such as career and professional development, community engagement, educational effectiveness, faculty development, institutional research, international studies, sponsored research, and student success.

In 2011-2012, he was selected as an American Council of Education Fellow, the nation's premier training program for university administrators. He currently serves as chair-elect of the board of directors of the Council of Graduates and Vice President of the board of directors of the Community of Writers at Squaw Valley.

Sindt earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles and his master's and doctoral degree in English from the University of California, Davis.

"During the interview process, Christopher displayed the skill and ability to lead our university into the future," said Laurette Liesen, chair of the search committee.

After nearly four decades of leadership in key university roles, Stephany Schlachter, announced plans to retire as provost of Lewis University, effective June 30, 2018. She will continue to serve the University as special assistant to the president until June 30, 2019.

Lewis University is an entrepreneurial Catholic university offering undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students.