The Office of the Provost LMU.edu
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Leadership Updates in the Provost’s Office

Feb. 5, 2026

Dear Faculty Colleagues,

As I’ve stepped into my role as the executive vice president and provost, one of my key priorities has been to evaluate the organizational structure of the Provost’s Office and Academic Affairs Division. I am focused on ensuring that our structures and processes provide the best support for the LMU community while also streamlining resources. Several leaders are moving into revised roles that align to offer vision and guidance for our core priorities including faculty retention, support for research and development, student internship and research opportunities, and the broader advancement of the university’s mission. 

I share here an organizational chart reflecting the Provost’s Office new structure, effective Feb. 1, 2026. 

The following highlights the leaders who will be overseeing these critical areas:

  • Faculty Excellence and Mission Integration 
    • Heather Tarleton, Ph.D., Associate Provost for Faculty Excellence and Mission Integration: The university’s success relies on attracting, supporting, and developing faculty who are outstanding teacher-scholars actively engaged with the institution’s mission and values. Heather Tarleton, Ph.D., will lead these university-wide efforts to support faculty at all stages of professional development and engagement. Associate Provost Tarleton will report directly to the provost and will lead Faculty Development and  Engagement (OFDE, formerly the Office of Faculty Development), Faculty Affairs (OFA), and the Center for Faculty Development (CFD). 
  • Research Growth and Strategic Projects
    • Jonathan Rothchild, Ph.D., Associate Provost of Research, Strategy, and Special Projects: LMU’s research portfolio continues to grow, requiring the Provost’s Office to keep pace with innovation and new federal mandates. At the same time, LMU is expanding engagement through internships, faculty research, online learning, and innovation initiatives. Jonathan Rothchild, Ph.D., will oversee research leadership, digital learning, research compliance, the core curriculum, and academic integrity. He will also collaborate with corporate and foundation partners, as well as campus and external stakeholders, on strategic initiatives. To strengthen faculty research, Angie Rochat, associate vice provost for research, will report to Associate Provost Rothchild and continue to lead Research and Sponsored Projects, research compliance, and technology transfer. 
  • Enrollment and Academic Engagement: 
    • Maureen Weatherall, Ed.D., Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Academic Engagement: The growing complexity of today’s enrollment environment and the diverse needs of incoming students require a strategic approach to enrollment, orientation, and early academic engagement. Maureen Weatherall, Ed.D., will oversee the university’s enrollment strategy, academic engagement, and career readiness efforts, leading strategic initiatives that support enrollment planning, financial aid optimization, academic momentum, and enrollment-informed student persistence, in partnership with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Mission and Ministry, and administrative units. Reporting to Vice Provost Weatherall, Julia Stanton will serve as assistant vice provost for orientation, transitions, and academic engagement, leading enrollment-facing orientation and onboarding efforts that support students from admission through orientation, and supporting students’ academic transition into the university. Elizabeth Wimberly-Young will transition to assistant vice provost of student research, Learning, and Innovation, leading First to Go, the Office of Research and Creative Arts (ORCA), the Academic Resource Center (ARC), Disability Support Services (DSS), and McNair programs. Additionally, Lindsay McCarthy has been promoted to associate vice provost of financial aid and will continue to oversee the administration of financial aid, including policies, practices, compliance, and reporting. Also under Vice Provost Weatherall is a strong team that leads university admissions, the registrar, career and professional development, retention, summer programs, and customer relationship management technology.
  • Academic Programs and International Programs 
    • José Badenes, S.J., Ph.D., Vice Provost for Academic Integration and Engagement and Senior International Officer: To strengthen support for our academic, global, and access-oriented programs, José Badenes S.J., Ph.D., will ensure coherence and mission alignment across the university while overseeing select academic portfolios — University Honors program, global engagement, academic recognition ceremonies, graduate education, and mission-driven initiatives — and serving as a key international liaison as senior international officer.

In addition to the updates outlined above, several key leaders will continue to oversee essential academic and administrative areas. Their work remains critical to advancing the university’s mission and supporting both faculty and student success in the following areas: 

  • Institutional Data and Effectiveness 
    • Christine Chavez, Associate Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, oversees strategic direction for institutional research, decision support, assessment, accreditation, data governance, and academic review processes. AVP Chavez collaborates with faculty, staff, and administrators to facilitate a coordinated approach to data-informed decision-making and planning to help shape best practices. 
  • Academic Financial Planning and Budgets
    • Maria Cano, Associate Provost for Financial Planning and Budgets, oversees budget analysis and financial planning. AP Cano leads the financial planning and budgeting for the provost, deans, and vice provosts, ensuring alignment with the university’s financial goals. 
  • Academic Administration Programs 
    • David Sapp, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Academic Administration, oversees LMU Extension, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), and Phi Beta Kappa. Vice Provost Sapp also serves as a member of the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) and is the liaison to the Academy for Jewish Religion California (AJRCA). 

I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Pam Thomas as executive assistant to the Provost’s Office. Previously serving as interim in this role, Pam brings expertise, dedication, and deep knowledge of university operations that will continue to benefit our faculty, staff, and students. She plays a vital part in coordinating communication, managing priorities, and supporting strategic initiatives, making a meaningful impact on the success and experience of the entire LMU community.

As we continue to grow and develop  as a university, I’m excited about these leadership updates, which position the Provost’s Office to support the LMU community with clarity, determination, and purpose. Together, we are shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking university that reaffirms LMU’s shared mission, advances academic excellence, and empowers our community. 

With appreciation,
Kat 

Kathleen Weaver, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost
Professor of Biology