Ohio State Provost Gilliam to lead Boston University
Ohio State University’s Executive Vice President and Provost Melissa L. Gilliam is leaving the university to lead Boston University, the institutions announced Wednesday morning.
Gilliam, who was hired by former Ohio State President Kristina Johnson in 2021 to be the university’s chief academic officer, will stay on through the end of the year. She will take over as Boston University’s president-elect Jan. 1.
“I am excited to join the community of students, faculty and staff at Boston University, and I am grateful to everyone at Ohio State who worked with the Office of Academic Affairs to advance this institution’s academic mission,” Gilliam said.
Gilliam will be the 11th president of Boston University, a private research university and member institution of the Association of American Universities.
“We are grateful for Dr. Gilliam’s service to Ohio State in areas critical to our foundational mission,” said Peter Mohler, Ohio State’s acting president and executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge. “Serving as president of Boston University is a tremendous opportunity for Dr. Gilliam to continue to contribute to the lives of students and their families through higher education. We wish her the very best.”
Gilliam was the first person of color to serve as provost at Ohio State.
During her tenure, Gilliam launched Ohio State’s Academic Plan in fall 2022, a framework for transforming academic life at the university. She also established new university support systems, including the Office of Faculty Affairs and the Office of Strategic Enrollment Management.
“The former focuses on faculty recruitment, onboarding, development and recognition, while the latter integrates admissions, financial aid and additional functions to support enrollment and student success on each of Ohio State’s campuses,” according to the university.
Ohio State said in the announcement that it will begin a national search for its next provost and share a transition plan soon.
shendrix@dispatch.com