UCM Names Crowley New Provost

By Alex Greenwood, October 31, 2024

University of Central Missouri President Roger Best today named Tim Crowley, DMA, as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Crowley has served in an interim capacity since July 1 and will officially begin his duties on Nov. 1.

Upon announcing his decision Best said, “I am grateful for Dr. Crowley’s willingness to serve as UCM’s next provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. During his campus interview, he expressed a clear vision for Academic Affairs and a plan for realizing that vision. He has a strong record of demonstrated achievement resulting from diligent effort that is grounded in collaboration and the betterment of those around him. I look forward to working with Dr. Crowley to accomplish the university’s priorities, goals and objectives.”

Best’s announcement marks the conclusion of UCM’s national search to fill the provost position after Phil Bridgmon, Ph.D., who had served as provost since 2019, accepted a new role in South Carolina. Best added that he wished to express, “My appreciation to the Provost Search Committee for bringing to campus three excellent candidates.”

 

As provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at UCM, Crowley will play a critical role in creating a compelling shared vision for the university and developing initiatives that bring this vision to life. He is also charged with assisting deans in promoting faculty and program development, leading strategic enrollment planning and fostering collaborative alliances within the campus and community. The provost’s leadership ensures a high-quality learning environment that encompasses the entire academic experience.

 

“UCM continues to be the best state comprehensive university in Missouri, and there are many opportunities for us on the horizon. I am humbled to serve the institution as the most recent in a series of chief academic officers who have created the conditions that exist today to face the challenges of tomorrow. I am honored to lead the Division of Academic Affairs and to work alongside our dedicated faculty, staff and students,” Crowley said. “Together, we will build upon UCM's rich traditions and embrace new opportunities to focus and align our academic programs, support student learning and success and promote excellence across our campus. My wife Ann and I are thrilled to make Warrensburg and the UCM community our home.”

Upon arriving at UCM in 2022, Crowley served as vice provost for Academic Programs and dean of Graduate Studies and Research. He leveraged his HLC experience to lead and organize the preparations for the accrediting organization’s 10-year site visit to UCM in March 2024, resulting in a successful outcome for the university.

 

Crowley has also been instrumental in recent efforts to implement UCM’s strategic plan, grow graduate and international student enrollment, and establish connections with two-year institutions, both in-state and out-of-state, to facilitate a seamless transition for transfer students pursuing a four-year degree at UCM.

 

With 29 years of experience in higher education leadership, he joined UCM after his tenure as associate provost for Academic Affairs at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in Kansas. At FHSU, Crowley led curriculum management, served as an accreditation liaison officer (ALO) for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and provided leadership for the Honors College, General Education Program, Center for Civic Leadership, and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program. He also oversaw department chair leadership development, program review, student success efforts, university strategic planning and academic technology initiatives.

 

Throughout his career at FHSU, Crowley held various leadership roles, including department chair, graduate dean/assistant provost for internationalization, graduate dean/assistant provost for academic programs, and assistant provost for academic programs and student success. Before joining FHSU, he served on the faculties of Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

 

Crowley earned his Bachelor of Music (Performance), graduating summa cum laude from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, in 1990. He holds two degrees from the University of North Texas in Denton: a Master of Music (Composition) in 1993 and a Doctor of Musical Arts (Composition) in 1995.