Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Wayne State University has named Dr. Christina Bloebaum as Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective August 10, 2026. 

Dr. Bloebaum most recently served as dean and professor of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State University, where she led a period of significant growth and innovation. Under her leadership, the college increased student enrollment by 40%, launched new undergraduate and graduate degree programs, expanded international and regional recruitment partnerships, completed major investments in academic and research infrastructure, and advanced initiatives supporting student success, faculty development, and industry engagement. 

Prior to Kent State, Dr. Bloebaum held leadership positions at Iowa State University, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the University at Buffalo. At the National Science Foundation, she led several national research and education initiatives and served as the NSF representative to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy's Aeronautics Science and Technology Subcommittee. An accomplished scholar and educator, she has secured more than $15 million in external funding, authored more than 100 scholarly publications, and earned national recognition for both leadership and research excellence.  Throughout her career, Dr. Bloebaum has been recognized for building collaborative academic cultures that support faculty engagement, institutional innovation, and shared governance.  

For more information on Dr. Bloebaum’s appointment, click here.

Amy Segal led this search with Robin Dougherty, Ryan Smilie, and Amanda Leslie.