NEW LEADERSHIP ON CAMPUS

Blitstein Named Provost And Dean Of Faculty

Peter Blitstein, a member of the Lawrence faculty for 21 years, will now lead the faculty as Lawrence’s provost and dean of faculty. He was appointed to the position by President Laurie Carter after serving in an interim capacity since July.

Blitstein previously served as associate dean of faculty, beginning in 2019, and has taught on the History faculty since 2001. He has chaired the History department and multiple faculty committees, led the Senior Experience program, and played a key role in guiding the faculty during the pandemic.

“First and foremost, the work of the provost and dean of the faculty is to champion Lawrence’s faculty so they can do their best work—whether in the classroom, the studio, the laboratory, or the community,” Blitstein said. “I feel a great sense of responsibility in taking on this role to support colleagues with whom I’ve worked for two decades. And I’m excited to lead the academic program at a time when there are great possibilities for innovative changes that will contribute to the success of our students.”

Bell Named Dean Of Students

Dr. Brittany Bell was promoted to dean of students, taking on a senior leadership position in Student Life.

She is focused on student service, including direct supervision of the Office of Student, Engagement, Activities, and Leadership (SEAL); the Diversity & Intercultural Center; and International Student Services, among other areas.

Bell joined Lawrence in 2019 as assistant dean of students. She has led the renovation of the Diversity & Intercultural Center and supported changes to many other student spaces on campus. Earlier this year, she was awarded the 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Award in recognition of her impact as an ally and resource for the campus community.

“As dean of students, I’m excited to continue supporting students and providing a better experience for student-related programs and activities,” Bell said. “I appreciate the opportunity to get to know students and learn more about how I can support them and help them be successful here at Lawrence.”

Clarke Named Vp For Student Life

Chris Clarke, who came to Lawrence in early 2022 as dean of students, has been named vice president for student life. He had been in the interim role since July and is a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Clarke oversees many aspects of campus life including Residential Education & Housing, Student Engagement Activities and Leadership, the Diversity & Intercultural Center, the Career Center, the Center for Community Engagement & Social Change, Spiritual & Religious Life, Wellness Services, and Dining Services.

“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited about what Student Life can contribute to the Lawrence University community,” Clarke said. “The team we have put together in Student Life will help us refocus, revitalize, and reinvent how we approach building our students’ experience. Our mission is to build relationships across campus and make sure we are delivering a dynamic opportunity for our Lawrentians to thrive and flourish while being in a safe, supportive environment.”

KOSHUTA PUTS NEW FOCUS ON FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE

Kristi Koshuta has joined Lawrence as its first first-year dean, focused on elevating the first-year experience for Lawrentians. She will work with faculty and staff to strengthen the experience for students in and out of the classroom.

Koshuta, a first-generation graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a master’s degree in education from UW–Oshkosh, comes to Lawrence following a stint as a manager in Enrollment Services at UW–Green Bay and four years as the director of student transition and success at Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia. Much of her focus at Piedmont was on improving the student retention rate. Prior to that she spent 15 years teaching math at the high school and college levels.

“What gets me excited is the idea that we’re not talking about a firstyear experience in isolation with academics,” Koshuta said. “We are really thinking about the holistic needs of students.”

That involves working in collaboration with departments across campus, something she has zeroed in on since arriving on campus this fall.

“I’m all about building relationships,” Koshuta said. “I always have been. You keep people by building relationships, and you elevate people by the relationships you build with them.”