Purdue University Northwest has promoted Chris Holford to provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. He has served the university for more than 18 years, most recently as dean of PNW College of Engineering and Sciences and a professor of biology. Prior to that, Holford was dean of the college of sciences and chair of the department of biology and chemistry for Purdue University North Central.

Holford earned a Ph.D. in biology from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in zoology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Augustana College.