Ball State names new provost, academic affairs VP
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Ball State University has selected its permanent replacement to serve as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
Anand Marri, who has filled the role in an interim basis since April, will retain the position following a nationwide search. He succeeds Susana Rivera-Mills, who this summer joined Aurora University in the Chicago suburbs as its next president. Rivera-Mills led academic affairs since 2018.
“I firmly believe Ball State University is positioned to catalyze and shape the future of postsecondary education in Indiana, the region, and beyond,” Marri said in a university news release. “I look forward to working together with all members of our community to support, sustain, and enhance the excellence of Ball State University.”
Marri began the interim provost role after leading the Ball State’s Teachers College for nearly three years. In his time as Teachers College dean, the school saw increases in enrollment and secured its largest ever, single philanthropic gift, a $1.45 million commitment from 1981 alumna Michelle Ryan.
“Since arriving at Ball State more than three years ago, Dr. Marri has continued to display a commitment to student success and the critical role our faculty and staff play in those objectives — a key attribute that will serve him, and the university, well moving forward in his new position,” Board of Trustees Chair Renae Conley said.
Marri earned his bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and his master’s from Stanford University. Marri was a high school social studies and English as a second language teacher in California before earning his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and joining the Teachers College at Columbia University.
While at Columbia, Marri founded an economic literacy initiative for the university and served from five years as the highest-ranking officer in education for the Federal Reserve System, according to the university’s release.
“Dr. Marri’s extensive experience as an academic administrator, professor and executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is matched by his collaborative leadership style,” Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue working with him to implement the shared vision, values and goals articulated in our university’s strategic plan.”