Blackburn Names Dr. Laura Wiedlocher as New Provost

Wiedlocher Joined Blackburn in 2014 as Professor of Political Science and Served as Interim Provost for the Past Year

Following a competitive national search, Dr. Laura Wiedlocher has been named the new Provost for Blackburn College. As the institution's lead academic officer, Wiedlocher will serve as a vital member of the President's leadership team and provide administrative oversight for the College's three academic divisions, the Registrar and Records Office, Institutional Research, Lumpkin Library, and the Lois E. DeFleur Student Success Center.

Wiedlocher steps into the role after serving a year as Interim Provost. During ten years as a Professor of Political Science at Blackburn, she taught local, state, and federal government, public policy analysis, judicial politics, managerial leadership, statistics for social science, and research methods. After earning tenure in 2020, Wiedlocher served as the chair for Blackburn's Leadership, Law, & Public Service Department and Chair of the College's Social Science Division. Before Blackburn, she also gained experience as an adjunct instructor for several graduate programs at the University of Missouri-St. Louis while pursuing her doctorate.

"As I transition from interim provost to provost, I am filled with excitement and gratitude," Wiedlocher said. "Blackburn prioritizes students first, emphasizing inclusive access and opportunity. Our mission to provide a transformational liberal arts education and promote community engagement is more important than ever, especially as our country and world increasingly need thoughtful, civic-minded leaders committed to service."

She continued, "Over the past year, I have learned much about this role and the College. Blackburn is blessed with dedicated professionals who have been patient and helpful teachers as I familiarized myself with their departments, goals, and challenges. I am proud of what we have already achieved together, from enhancing our technology infrastructure to enhancing our academic programs and expanding student support services. I am excited to collaborate with President Lee and the entire community to build on these successes, support our exceptional faculty and staff, and help our dedicated students reach their fullest potential."

Wiedlocher earned her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Missouri-Rolla and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in Political Science. She has co-authored four publications and has presented to national and regional conferences.

"I am delighted that Laura will continue in the role of Provost and as a part of the senior leadership team," said new Blackburn President Larry K. Lee. "Over the past year serving in an interim capacity, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a deep commitment to our students, faculty, and staff, and an unwavering dedication to Blackburn's mission. I look forward to working closely with Laura as we advance the College and uphold our tradition of academic excellence and community engagement."

Wiedlocher will officially begin her new role at Blackburn this summer.