Baker University has appointed Brian Posler, University of Southern Indiana associate provost for academic affairs, as Baker’s executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences effective July 1.
“(Brian) Posler embodies the ideals of Baker and has the highest integrity,” University President Pat Long said in a statement released by the university. “He will play a critical role on our academic leadership team in promoting and implementing long-term, innovative initiatives that will enhance Baker’s reputation and growth potential.”
The selection comes after a national search by a committee composed of Baker University staff, faculty and Board of Trustee members.
Committee Chair Martha Harris said to finally have the spot filled is a relief and Posler will be a great fit on Baker’s campus.
“(The search committee) thought (Posler) was very well-suited for (CAS dean) just in terms of his previous positions and his background and that he would be a good fit in terms of working with the CAS faculty,” Harris said.
Posler has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell College and a master’s and doctorate from Rice University. His experience includes associate professor and chair of the political science department at Millikin University, assistant provost for undergraduate studies at Southern Indiana University (Evansville, Ind.) and associate provost for academic affairs at USI.
Posler, who grew up in Manhattan, was initially attracted to the opportunity at Baker because of its proximity to home and work that the position consisted of.
“I’ve been very happy at USI, but … I was interested in pursuing opportunities to become a chief academic officer someplace and so that’s what kind of got me looking for the right opportunities,” Posler said.
After learning of the growth in campuses and the size of the university, Posler became more impressed.
“Once I learned a little bit more about Baker, I got more and more excited,” Posler said.
During his on-site interviews, Posler got to meet students, faculty and staff. The people he met throughout his time at Baker made it easy to accept the offer to become dean.
“As I met with all the different people on campus during my visit, I just felt more and more comfortable that this was the sort of place that I could thrive and be very happy,” Posler said.
Posler should keep busy with his position, but he still wants to find a way to teach and interact with students.
“My hope is that I’ll be able to get to know students in the classroom as well as outside the classroom,” he said.
