Provost Salma Ghanem reflects on five years as incoming provost Russell Ivy outlines initial plans

Salma Ghanem reflected on her five years as DePaul provost and the university’s community work, while incoming provost Russell Ivy said he will take the first months on the job to learn Academic Affairs and visit each college after beginning July 1.

Salma Ghanem marked five years as DePaul's provost as she prepares to step down. Russell Ivy, currently interim provost at Florida Atlantic University, will assume the role on July 1. Ghanem started at DePaul as dean of the College of Communication in 2014 and became full-time provost in 2021. She said she values DePaul's mission and the work of students and faculty. Key details: - Ghanem served as dean of the College of Communication (2014), acting provost (2018), and full-time provost (2021). - She led the university during declines in enrollment and the effects of COVID-19, and colleagues described her as a steady and engaged leader. - Lexa Murphy, dean of the College of Communication, said Ghanem emphasized trust, mentorship and engagement in her leadership. - Ivy said he was impressed by DePaul’s faculty, staff and students during his interview and is new to the university. - Ivy plans to spend his first months learning Academic Affairs in detail and visiting each college as part of a fact-finding period. Summary: Ghanem’s five-year tenure emphasized listening, mentorship and community-focused leadership, and colleagues credit her with shaping the provost’s office culture. Ivy will begin on July 1 and plans an initial period of learning and college visits to understand the university’s academic operations. Ghanem has not announced her next role; Undetermined at this time.