Provost

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Loboa as the next provost and executive vice chancellor of the University of Denver.

Prior to joining DU, Elizabeth served for the past five years as the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Southern Methodist University (SMU). Previously, Elizabeth served as the dean and Ketcham Professor of the University of Missouri (MU) College of Engineering. Simultaneously, she served as MU’s vice chancellor for strategic partnerships for two years. In the classroom, Elizabeth has served in various professorship roles at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University.  

While provost at SMU, Elizabeth made an indelible and positive impact on the institution, shepherding the university toward earning the R1 Carnegie Classification and working alongside her colleagues to see a 56% increase in student applications. Under her leadership, SMU developed several programs and initiatives aimed at providing faculty opportunities to develop skills and pursue leadership roles.

“As a leader, Elizabeth is data-driven and collaborative—using the best possible information and ideas to make informed and strategic decisions. She is committed to open communication and transparency. She boasts numerous successes in fostering an interdisciplinary education and research environment, and her guiding philosophy centers on student success and learning and career outcomes,” says Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “In short, Elizabeth Loboa is exactly suited to join DU at this moment in our institution's long history.” 

Loboa earned an associate's degree from Modesto Junior College, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UC Davis, and master’s and doctoral degrees from Stanford in biomechanical engineering and mechanical engineering, respectively. She will begin her new role on August 20, 2025.

Read the full press release here.

Julie Filizetti led this search with Katie White, Gabi Harrington, and Cara Meyers.