Bernhard named interim vice provost for EUP [Extended University Programs]

Bernhard, who has served since 2000 as director of academic programming and outreach for Extended University Programs, will lead EUP while the University conducts a national search for a replacement for Dr. Alan G. Walker who is leaving WMU to become president of Upper Iowa University. Bernhard’s appointment, which is effective July 1, will be brought to the WMU Board for its approval June 30.

“Dr. Bernhard has strong support from her colleagues and we know she will do an outstanding job for the students of Western during this interim period,” said WMU Provost Daniel M. Litynski in making the announcement. “We thank her for her willingness to serve. Her leadership, energy, and thorough knowledge of the plans and operation of EUP will help ensure continued excellence during the national search for a permanent replacement.”

The University’s seven branch campuses, its distance education offerings and its conference and seminars operations all fall under the umbrella of Extended University Programs. In addition, the unit oversees a number of other academic offerings at locations around the state.

An adjunct assistant professor in the School of Community Health Services, Bernhard has held a variety of faculty and staff positions at WMU since 1982, when she began her career in what was then the Office of Conferences and Institutes. She has served as assistant and associate director of the University’s Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse, associate director and co-director of the WMU-based Michigan Institute for Human Resource Development, director of the Employee Assistance Academic Program, and project specialist in the Office of the Vice President for Research. She rejoined EUP, then the Division of Continuing Education, in 1997.

Over the years, Bernhard has been an active grantsperson, playing leadership roles in a score of funded grant and contract projects. A past member of the Faculty Senate, she has served on committees across the campus, including six leadership search committees, and program advisory and curriculum committees.

Bernhard holds three degrees from WMU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and organizational communication in 1982, a master’s degree in educational leadership in 1987, and in 2003, she completed a doctoral degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit leadership and administration.

Media contact:
Cheryl Roland
269 387-8400
cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
269 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news