Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, recently announced that Provost Christine Siegel, PhD, has committed to continuing to serve as Fairfield’s chief academic officer through the summer of 2028.

Dr. Siegel has been an exceptional leader for the University since her appointment as interim provost in 2017 and provost in 2018. Under her direction, the Office of the Provost has undertaken a series of initiatives to ensure that Fairfield excels as an exemplar in Jesuit higher education and to support the University's standing of national prominence. She has been instrumental in strengthening the academic leadership across all schools through the hiring of key personnel, enhancement of classroom technology, guidance of the University through accreditation processes, refreshment of the core curriculum and Honors Program, clarification and strengthening of the academic centers, and encouragement of the growth of undergraduate and faculty research, among countless other areas of innovation and expansion.

Dr. Siegel’s leadership also encompasses Student Affairs where she oversees all aspects of student life, working closely with colleagues across the University on cultivating a vibrant and inclusive living and learning environment, providing resources and programming around health and wellness, expanding community partnerships, and responding to the evolving needs of current and future students.

More specifically, Dr. Siegel led the efforts to ensure academic continuity through the challenges of the pandemic, an effort that strengthened the University community tremendously, as reflected in the energy, hope, and enthusiasm now seen among students and families, faculty, staff, and alumni. Under her tenure, Fairfield has expanded doctoral and graduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, the School of Engineering, and the School of Education and Human Development. Online and overseas offerings have been significantly expanded, and a nursing center has opened in Austin, Texas, to address a shortage of clinicians. The Fairfield Bellarmine program has launched in Bridgeport, providing access to a minimal-cost associate’s degree program for traditionally underserved student communities in the region, one of many initiatives to enhance access and support diversity and inclusion that have been implemented under her leadership. Dr. Siegel also serves as a commissioner for the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the institutional accrediting body that oversees standards for colleges and universities in our region, this among many other duties and works of service.

Dr. Siegel joined the faculty of Fairfield in 2005 as a faculty member in the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD), and served as associate dean of the school and associate vice president before being named vice provost. As vice provost Dr. Siegel contributed to writing the University’s strategic plan, established frameworks for student learning assessment, and worked to advance inclusive excellence initiatives.

“Fulfilling our call to be the model of the modern, Jesuit Catholic University, we will face a new vista of challenges and opportunities,” said President Nemec. “Our obligation is to serve our communities with the holistic formation that Fairfield uniquely can provide. As we meet this moment, I am heartened to know that Dr. Siegel will continue leading Fairfield’s academic programs and will be working with all of us to ensure that we answer this call with a spirit of inquiry, a commitment to rigor, and a humble grace.”