Kent Buchanan, Ph.D., has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma City University, President Robert Henry announced today.
Buchanan has served in the role on an interim basis since July 2015. His appointment follows a national search and a recommendation from the university’s search committee. The committee, chaired by Associate Dean Melanie Shelley, reviewed more than 20 applicants out of 70 that were reviewed by the university’s search firm.
“Kent has broad-based experience that will serve Oklahoma City University well in his position as provost,” Henry said. “I am pleased to welcome him to the permanent role.”
“The search committee feels that Dr. Buchanan has a strong and demonstrated commitment to Oklahoma City University and its future success,” Shelley added.
Buchanan said he is looking forward to the work ahead.
“Oklahoma City University has a rich tradition of providing a personalized educational experience for students and preparing them to become effective leaders in service to their communities,” he said. “I am excited about this opportunity and I look forward to furthering our mission of scholarship and service, and working with the entire campus community to continue building a bright future for the university.”
Buchanan began his career at Oklahoma City University in 2006. He has served as chair of the biology department at OKCU and as assistant provost. Prior to his career at OKCU, Buchanan served as an assistant and associate professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. He has also been an educator and biomedical researcher at Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center and Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in microbiology from the University of Oklahoma and a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Buchanan is active in the Oklahoma City community and has served on the Board of Trustees at Science Museum Oklahoma since 2009 and on the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma School of Science and Math since 2010. Oklahoma City University is a coeducational, urban private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, offering a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts, fine arts, sciences and business. The only Oklahoma institution listed in the top tier of the regional, master’s-level university category by U.S. News & World Report, OKCU offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and more than 20 graduate degrees. Find out more at www.okcu.edu.
