Hillsdale College Welcomes Dr. Christopher VanOrman as Provost
Dean and professor of chemistry accepts new leadership role beginning summer 2019
Hillsdale, Mich. – Hillsdale College announces that Dr. Christopher VanOrman has recently accepted an appointment as the new provost of Hillsdale College. VanOrman currently serves as the dean of natural sciences and holds the William and Berniece Grewcock chair in chemistry. He follows the eight-year service of David Whalen, first appointed as provost in 2011.
“Chris VanOrman is a leading teacher on our campus, a fine scholar who inspires all around him,” said Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College. “He is our longest serving dean, and his service has been exemplary. He will make a fine provost.”
“Dr. VanOrman is beloved and respected by students, faculty, and staff alike,” added David Whalen, current provost of Hillsdale College. “In addition to his remarkable work within his own field, his commitment to Hillsdale’s mission and the liberal arts makes him well suited to this new role.”
VanOrman joined the faculty of Hillsdale College in 1992 as a professor in the Chemistry Department. He earned a Ph.D. from Case Western University and a B.A. from Albion College. He brings administrative experience to the role through both his current position as dean of natural sciences and through his work as dean of faculty from 2003 to 2005. VanOrman received the Emily Daugherty Award for Teaching Excellence in 2009 and was twice named Hillsdale Professor of the Year in 1996 and 2002. He will take on his new role as provost on June 1, 2019.