Siena Heights University is proud to announce that Dr. Julie Barst has been appointed as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective as of August 25. As a dedicated member of the Siena community since 2012, Dr. Barst has consistently demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to academic excellence.
A Proven Leader at Siena Heights
Over the past decade, Dr. Barst has served in a variety of key leadership roles that have shaped both academic programs and student experiences. Most recently, she served as Assistant Provost, where her collaborative leadership and vision set the stage for continued institutional growth. Her administrative experience also includes serving as English Department Chair, Humanities Division Chair, Assistant Dean of Academics for Humanities and Social Sciences, and Assistant Dean of Academics for Music and Education.
Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Barst spearheaded the creation of the annual university-wide Scholarship Symposium in 2015, which continues to highlight the academic achievements of our students and faculty. She also founded the Ethnic and Gender Studies Institute in 2016 and continues to serve as its director. Alongside colleague Dr. Leland Harper, she secured a National Endowment for the Humanities grant that led to the development of Siena’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) certificate program—a significant contribution to the university’s mission of fostering inclusive excellence.
Academic and Professional Background
Dr. Barst’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Accounting major from Central Michigan University, followed by a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Literary Studies from Purdue University. Before joining Siena Heights, she taught as an Assistant Professor of English at South Dakota State University. She was promoted to Associate Professor of English in 2016 and to Professor of English in 2020.
Her scholarship has gained national recognition. She has published extensively, presented at both national and international conferences, and is currently preparing for the release of her forthcoming book on nineteenth-century British literature and representations of colonial Australia.
Recognized Excellence
Dr. Barst’s contributions to teaching and research have been celebrated within the Siena Heights community. She received the Stimson-Tsuji Award for Outstanding Research in 2018 and the Sister Eileen K. Rice Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2019, reflecting her ability to inspire students while advancing scholarly work.
Looking Ahead
As Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Barst will bring her passion for teaching, scholarship, and leadership into a role that will shape the university’s final academic year. With her proven record of dedication and innovation, Siena Heights is confident that Dr. Barst will guide our SHU community with integrity.
We are proud to congratulate Dr. Julie Barst on this well-deserved achievement of academic leadership!
