Executive Vice President and Provost

The University of Minnesota has named Dr. Gretchen Ritter as its next executive vice president and provost. Pending Board of Regents approval on June 12, Ritter’s appointment will begin July 31, 2025.

Dr. Ritter brings extensive experience in academic leadership, having served as vice president for civic engagement and education at Syracuse University, and as provost and chief academic officer there. Her career also includes roles as executive dean and vice provost of The Ohio State University's College of Arts and Sciences, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, and vice provost for undergraduate education and faculty governance at the University of Texas at Austin.

In her new role, Dr. Ritter will serve as the University’s chief academic officer, overseeing academic programs, faculty affairs, and research initiatives across the system, with a focus on the Twin Cities campus. She will play a pivotal role in advancing the University's strategic plan, fostering academic excellence, and promoting a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Dr. Ritter holds a PhD in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BA from Cornell University. Her scholarly work encompasses studies on the Constitution, democracy, and women's citizenship.

Rebecca Kennedy and Daniel Rodas led this search with Andy Marshall, Steph Simon, and Maya Bennett.