Notes from the Provost: September 2026
Dear Friends, Every fall, Boston University fills up with new energy. New ideas taking shape in classrooms and labs. New people learning the place — including a few thousand still figuring out where their next class actually meets. My time as provost began this past July, a few months ahead of the... More
2026 Career Development Professorship Awardees
From Dr. Colin Duckett, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Each year, Boston University awards Career Development Professorships to several talented early career faculty members emerging as future leaders in their chosen field of study. This year’s awards are made possible through the generosity of BU Trustee Nathaniel Dalton (LAW’91) and his wife... More
Leadership at BU Libraries
From Dr. Colin Duckett, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Earlier this year, a national search was launched to select a permanent University Librarian for Boston University. Following a comprehensive and competitive search process, I am pleased to announce the selection of Kate Donovan as University Librarian, effective December 7, 2026. Donovan comes... More
Notes from the Provost: August 2026
Dear Friends, I’m so inspired by the collaborative spirit that defines this community. The more people I meet, the more I appreciate the enthusiasm, expertise, and care that faculty and staff bring to their work each day. In my first few weeks, I've spent much of my time meeting colleagues across the... More
Boston University’s New Non-Discrimination Policy
From Senior Vice President for People, Belonging, and Culture Manuel Cuevas-Trisán and Provost Colin Duckett We are pleased to share that Boston University has finalized a new Non-Discrimination Policy, effective August 1, 2026. This policy replaces the Interim Equal Opportunity and Title IX Policy and reflects the University's ongoing commitment to fostering a community... More
Notes from the Provost: July 2026
Dear Friends, After a week of meetings across our campuses, I’m still finding my way around the city, but the morning walk already has me feeling at home here at Boston University. The kindness and generosity of this community have also stayed with me, from my very first visit to my... More
Dr. Arun Upneja to Step Down as Dean of the School of Hospitality Administration
From Dr. Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer I am writing today to share that Arun Upneja, dean of the School of Hospitality Administration (SHA), has informed me of his decision to step down from his role on July 31 and to return to faculty following a one-year sabbatical. Since... More
Actions Taken by the University Council During the Spring 2026 Semester
From Dr. Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer The Boston University Council held three meetings during the spring 2026 semester on March 24, April 21, and May 12. At these meetings, the council voted to approve revisions and proposals related to the following policies, also available on the University... More
Leadership at the College of Fine Arts
From Dr. Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer As Dean Harvey Young prepares to conclude his service as dean of the College of Fine Arts (CFA) while continuing in his role as Vice President for the Arts, I am pleased to share that Lynne Allen, professor of art and chair of... More
Leadership at the College of General Studies; Announcing the Search Advisory Committee
From Dr. Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer As College of General Studies Dean Natalie McKnight prepares to step down from her leadership role at the end of June, I am pleased to share that we have determined the composition of the search advisory committee and appointed Lynn O’Brien Hallstein, assistant provost for general education... More