OU appoints interim provost, searches continue

Effective June 15, Michelle Piskulich will serve as Oakland University’s interim provost, filling the role to be vacated by Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost James Lentini, who was recently named president of Molloy College in New York.    

Piskulich, a senior associate provost and associate professor of political science, has consistently demonstrated a thorough understanding of academic priorities and an ability to respond effectively to challenges as they arise. She began as associate provost in the provost’s office in 2009, and was promoted to senior associate provost last year.

“In the last two months, Dr. Piskulich’s tireless work and leadership have been instrumental to our successful transition to remote and online learning,” said OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “She has worked closely with Provost Lentini for seven years, and I have great confidence in her competence, judgment and work ethic.”

Piskulich will serve until a permanent Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs and Provost is in place. 

Additionally, Kevin Corcoran will continue in his position as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) until a new dean is appointed and assumes the position. He had previously announced that he would retire in July. The search for the new CAS Dean is continuing.   

“We greatly appreciate Dean Corcoran’s selfless decision, which provides much-needed stability and is another impressive example of his leadership,” Pescovitz said. “Those of us who have worked with and admire Dean Corcoran realize how typical it is of him to respond in this time of need, and to serve the best interests of the university.”

View an updated organizational chart of OU’s leadership team here.