Lamar University associate provost selected for national leadership academy

Lamar University (LU) Associate Provost for Academic and Research Administration Dr. Gene Theodori has been selected for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' (AASCU) 2026-27 Becoming a Provost Academy, joining 36 other higher education professionals from across the country.

The yearlong program, developed in partnership with the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI), prepares experienced academic administrators for the responsibilities of serving as a provost or chief academic officer.

"I am deeply grateful to have been selected for the 2026-2027 Becoming a Provost Academy cohort," Theodori said. "This opportunity will allow me to engage with national higher education leaders, strengthen my strategic leadership approach, and explore solutions to the key challenges facing universities today."

As associate provost, Theodori oversees academic policy development and research administration, working with faculty and university leadership to support academic initiatives and external research funding.

Through the academy, participants receive leadership development, mentoring and opportunities to collaborate with academic administrators from other institutions. The program focuses on institutional priorities, strategic decision-making and the evolving responsibilities of higher education leadership.

"I look forward to bringing these valuable, peer-informed insights back to Lamar University to support our faculty, promote student success, and advance the university's guiding principles," Theodori said.

According to AASCU, 225 academy alumni have advanced to provost positions, while 39 have gone on to serve as college or university presidents or chancellors.

The 2026-27 academy began in June with an opening seminar in Washington, D.C., and continues through July 2027, concluding with an in-person seminar in Atlanta. Participants also engage in virtual workshops throughout the academic year.

For more information about the program, visit AASCU's Becoming a Provost Academy website.