New Provost Named for College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

(KNSI) – The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University have appointed a new senior academic officer responsible for the curricular and co-curricular experience across both campuses.

Barbara J. May has been picked as the campuses’ next provost. May will serve as senior educational officer for both institutions and a key member of the president’s senior leadership team, overseeing academic programs, faculty affairs and the initiatives across both campuses.

“Barb is a thoughtful, collaborative and mission-centered leader who understands the power of a liberal arts education, our Catholic and Benedictine values, and the distinctive opportunity created by our Strong Integration model,” said Brian J. Bruess, president of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. “Her experience leading academic innovation, strengthening student success and working across complex institutions makes her an exceptional partner as we continue building momentum at CSB and SJU.”

She will begin her role on July 1st, succeeding Richard Ice, who will retire at the end of the school year after 37 years of service to the institutions.

May is not a newcomer to either campus. She previously served as academic dean at both institutions and as a biology faculty member from 2017 to 2022.

She currently serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Pacific University in Oregon. Before that role, she was the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Saint Mary’s College, a Catholic liberal arts college for women in Notre Dame, Indiana.

May holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Veterinary Biosciences from the University of Minnesota and a B.A. in biology and German from St. Olaf College.

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