BVU Names Lenzmeier Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Related Media

Dr. Brian Lenzmeier

STORM LAKE, IA (03/22/2018) (readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) has selected Dr. Brian Lenzmeier as its provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Lenzmeier joined BVU in 2003 as a professor of biology. In addition to this role, Lenzmeier has held several admirable leadership roles at BVU. During the 2013-2014 academic year, he served as the chair of the Faculty Senate and oversaw a faculty-driven revision of the general education program. In recent years, Lenzmeier has served as chair of the Tenure and Promotion Committee, played an integral role in the revision of faculty employment policies, and worked with colleagues to develop and implement a new biomedical sciences major for pre-health students. Prior to his new appointment, Lenzmeier served as interim vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty.

"I am looking forward to working alongside President Merchant, and all my faculty and staff colleagues, to build on a tradition of academic excellence, to open doors for BVU students to meet the future needs of their communities, and to increase BVU's regional impact in the coming years," said Lenzmeier. "I am excited about BVU's future."

Lenzmeier earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Colorado State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minn. He also completed post-doctoral research in molecular biology at Princeton University and was a visiting research fellow in the area of molecular medicine at Mayo Clinic in 2011.

"Dr. Lenzmeier is a highly accomplished educator and academic leader," said BVU President Joshua D. Merchant. "I have every confidence in his ability to serve BVU well, and I am certain he will meet the high expectations of the faculty and work collaboratively, and efficiently, to advance the tasks that are of utmost importance to the University. We are thrilled to name him to this highly important leadership position at BVU."

Lenzmeier has been named "Faculty Member of the Year" twice by the BVU Student Senate, and was the 2009 recipient of the George Wythe Award, the University's highest honor for excellence in teaching.

"Dr. Lenzmeier understands the current needs of the University and has the skills and mindset to address enrollment challenges," said Dr. Shawn Stone, who is professor of physics and computer science and is the chair of BVU's faculty senate. "It was clear from his interview evaluations that he has the full support of the faculty and staff."

Lenzmeier is an active member of the Storm Lake community, serving on the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Community Advisory Council from 2009-2011 and again from 2015-2016. He was also a Board of Trustees member for Faith, Hope and Charity from 2009-2015.

"I have had the privilege of living in Storm Lake and working as a professor at BVU for almost 15 years," added Lenzmeier. "I am honored to have this opportunity to serve, in new and more impactful ways, a community that has been so good to me and my family."

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

###