William "Bill" J. Ehmann, Ph.D., an experienced academic leader with a strong record of advancing student success and institutional effectiveness, will join Adler University as provost on July 21. He will start in a part-time capacity May 1.
With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Ehmann has held leadership roles at 10 institutions across the United States, including as department chair, associate dean, provost, and vice president for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management. He has led efforts in strategic planning, academic innovation, accreditation, faculty development, research infrastructure, and inclusive pedagogy all grounded in student-centered learning and academic excellence.
"Dr. Ehmann's expertise in leadership and systems transformation will be a tremendous asset to Adler as we continue to educate the next generation of scholars, practitioners, and researchers who are committed to strengthening health systems and transforming communities locally, regionally, and globally," said University President Lisa Coleman, Ph.D. "His proven track record in building partnerships, driving meaningful change, and working in collaboration with faculty to prepare graduates to lead in increasingly complex environments will be pivotal to the next chapter of our Adlerian journey."
Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Ehmann most recently served as interim associate provost at Saint Xavier University, where he led initiatives to revise the Faculty Manual, support faculty development, and improve academic operations for the betterment of the student experience. During his tenure as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Hartwick College, he spearheaded key initiatives in shared governance and faculty development, including revising tenure-track faculty search processes. He also championed collaborations with faculty and department chairs to enhance student retention and recruitment, secured major funding for academic spaces and research labs, and adopted new course-sharing partnerships to create revenue streams.
"I am excited to join Adler at such a pivotal moment in its history," said Dr. Ehmann. "With campuses in both the U.S. and Canada, Adler is uniquely positioned to prepare the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in health and well-being. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to build upon our academic strengths, foster excellence, and enhance the student experience ensuring that every learner is empowered to thrive both academically and personally."
Earlier in his career, Dr. Ehmann served as provost and vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management at Marymount University. There, he implemented high-impact learning initiatives, expanded the use of academic software tools in collaboration with department chairs, and led the SACS-COC accreditation report focused on general education reform. His efforts included a quality improvement plan that enhanced campus culture and co-curricular learning. Dr. Ehmann also helped faculty launch a seamless high school-to-Ph.D. pathway in cybersecurity, and developed a three-year plan to double grant productivity, drawing on input from chairs, program directors, and deans.
Dr. Ehmann's experience is further distinguished by numerous national honors and as the recipient of more than $8 million in research funding. His scientific and educational contributions have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Interior, the Ecological Society of America, and the University of Notre Dame. He has also served as an external evaluator, presenter, grant reviewer, and textbook contributor for numerous national organizations and government agencies.
In addition to his academic leadership, Dr. Ehmann brings an entrepreneurial perspective to his work. He co-managed a successful small business in Vermont that was based on best practices for adult learning. Dr. Ehmann's volunteer service reflects his commitment to conservation, education, and community-building. He has held board and leadership roles with local chapters of the Audubon Society, contributed to citizen science and environmental education efforts, and mentored emerging leaders in the sciences.
He holds a Ph.D. in Biology with a focus on Ecology from Utah State University, an Sc.M. in Geological Sciences from Brown University, and a B.S. in Earth Sciences from the University of Notre Dame. He also earned an Executive Certificate in Transformational Non-profit Leadership from Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business.
