Article by Drew Hadden

Millikin University President Dr. Jim Reynolds announced that Mary Black has been named permanent provost.

Mary Black has been serving as interim provost at Millikin University since July 2021 succeeding Dr. Jeffery Aper who retired in June 2021. As provost, Black serves as the chief academic officer for Millikin, working closely with faculty and academic staff to ensure the overall academic quality of the University. Black serves as an advocate for both faculty and students as they strive for excellence across the disciplines in teaching, learning, advising, scholarship and artistry. Working closely with President Reynolds, administration, faculty and staff, she will strive to advance the mission of the University in preparing students for professional success, democratic citizenship in a global environment and the personal pursuit of a life of meaning and value.

Mary Black joined the faculty at Millikin in 2009 as an assistant professor of theatre. She was promoted to associate professor in 2015 and to professor in 2021, and most recently served five years as the director of the School of Theatre & Dance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Iowa and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Technology from Indiana University.

Black’s primary area of teaching and research is in theatrical production and technical direction, but she has also produced artistic work in the areas of theatrical scenic and lighting design. Her past credits include technical work at Indiana University Theatre and Opera programs, Iowa Summer Repertory Theatre, Brown County Playhouse and the University of Iowa Theatre and Opera programs. Black is actively involved in USITT and has published and presented at numerous USITT Conference & Stage Expos and through the USITT Tech Expo.

“I am honored and privileged to serve in this role, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with an incredible team of committed faculty, staff and administrators as we strive to reimagine a Millikin as a stronger, more vibrant and more inclusive institution,” Black said.