By Grant Heston

Virginia Commonwealth University has appointed Beverly J. Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D., as interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, effective at the end of May. Warren returns to VCU, where she served as provost from 2011 to 2014, before becoming the 12th president of Kent State University.

Warren steps into the role following the departure of Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., who will leave VCU on May 31 after four years to become executive vice president and provost at Penn State University.

“Dr. Warren’s deep experience and proven leadership in higher education, combined with her understanding of the many great strengths of VCU as a strong public research university, make her an ideal choice to serve as chief academic officer during this interim period,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. “She has a clear vision for student success and research excellence, and we are fortunate to welcome her back during this time of transition.”

During her successful presidency at Kent State from 2014 to 2019, the university achieved record enrollments and fundraising, launched more than 30 new degree programs in high-demand fields and increased its research and impact supporting communities in Ohio and beyond. She also championed the establishment of major interdisciplinary initiatives, including the Brain Health Research Institute and the School of Peace and Conflict Studies.

At VCU, Warren’s leadership as provost was instrumental in advancing the university’s Quest for Distinction strategic plan. She oversaw the creation of numerous academic programs, dramatically improved graduation rates and expanded access for transfer students through new partnerships with Virginia’s community colleges.

She also helped elevate VCU’s research and global engagement efforts, leading key international initiatives.

“I am honored to return to VCU where I have many fond memories of our work together in supporting our students, advancing research and engaging in meaningful ways with the many communities we serve,” Warren said. “This university has always been a place of uncommon purpose, research and impact, and I’m excited to work with President Rao again to support our talented faculty, staff and students as we continue moving forward together.”

Warren held several senior leadership positions at VCU, including dean of the School of Education, associate dean for faculty affairs, and professor and head of the School of Education's Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She has consistently focused on a collaborative approach to growing research, student success and academic excellence. 

She earned a Ph.D. in exercise physiology from Auburn University and an Ed.D. in administration of higher education from the University of Alabama. She earned a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

A national search for VCU’s next permanent provost will be underway soon and the search committee will be led by Meredith Weiss, Ph.D., senior vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, and Marlon Levy, M.D., senior vice president for VCU Health Sciences and VCU Health CEO.