Joan Saab announced as new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost

The University of Richmond announced on March 23 that Joan Saab will be the new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.

“The provost search attracted a large field of impressive applicants,” President Kevin Hallock wrote in his announcement. “Dr. Saab stood out in a rigorous interview process that ensured our candidates met a high bar for their leadership and scholarly accomplishments.”

Saab is currently a professor of art history and the executive vice provost of academic affairs at the University of Rochester. She will officially start at UR on July 1, 2023, according to Hallock’s announcement. 

The search for a new vice president began in the fall of 2023 after Jeffrey Legro announced he would step down from his position as provost and become a full-time member of UR’s faculty. 

“Jeff has been a leader in important academic initiatives on our campus and at heart remains a dedicated teacher and accomplished scholar,” Hallock wrote in his March 2023 announcement. “I’m delighted he will continue his service to UR as a full-time member of the faculty.” 

The provost search committee, headed by Hallock and rhetoric and communications professor Nicole Maurantonio, held forums and created a suggestions inbox for UR community members to add their input to the search. 

UR is pleased to welcome Saab to this role, Board of Trustees rector R. Lewis Boggs said in a press release from UR. 

“We look forward to her leadership as we continue to pursue ambitious aspirations for our institution and the students we serve,” Boggs said.  

Saab’s passion and expertise in administration align with the priorities of UR, Hallock said in a press release from UR. 

“At her core, she believes in advancing educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds, which echoes our commitments to academic excellence, access and affordability and belonging,” Hallock wrote in his announcement.

Saab looks forward to working with UR’s community to strengthen the intellectual community and further the academic mission, she said.

“Richmond’s commitment to creating a holistic and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive mirrors my own core values,” Saab said. “I am extremely excited to join the web.” 

Contact executive co-editor Amy Jablonski at amy.jablonski@richmond.edu.