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Michael Gealt, Central Michigan University’s executive vice president and provost, will step down effective June 30, 2019.

Gealt, who joined CMU in 2013, will continue his employment with CMU through Dec. 31, 2019, as provost emeritus.

“During his tenure at Central Michigan, Dr. Gealt has been a champion of student success, excellent teaching and nationally recognized research endeavors,” CMU President Bob Davies said. “His contributions to our university will live on for years to come.”

Davies noted several university accomplishments since Gealt joined CMU as provost, including:



“I have been proud to serve as provost at CMU, a leading national research university with top academic programs,” Gealt said. “The university has continued to excel in areas such as STEM, business and health care, and the excellence of our liberal arts programs ensures CMU students are able to succeed in their desired career path.

“I applaud our faculty because of the impact they have on the lives of our students as well as the research and creative endeavors they pursue,” he said. “CMU has tremendous faculty who cement our status as a top university.”

Gealt is a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and is on the Central Michigan University Medical Education Partners board.

Last month, Gealt was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. AAAS recognized Gealt for contributions in microbiology research and for enhancing STEM education in K-12 and higher education institutions.

Prior to joining CMU, Gealt served as dean of the College of Science and professor of biology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In addition, he has held positions at Purdue University Calumet, now Purdue University Northwest and Drexel University. Gealt received his bachelor's degree in biology from Temple University and his doctorate in microbiology from Rutgers University.

Davies said he will appoint a search committee for Gealt’s replacement before the holidays and plans to have a provost in place by July.

