Dr. Chris Schroeder named Morehead State’s new provost
Morehead State University has announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Schroeder as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs. He will begin his new duties on July 1.
“Dr. Schroeder is a steady leader with strong academic credentials and a history of fostering student success,” said Morehead State President Dr. Jay Morgan. “His experience as a professor, department chair of mathematics and associate provost for undergraduate programs will compliment him in his elevation to provost and vice president for academic affairs. That experience combined with his knowledge of our students makes him an exceptional choice to lead our academic programs. I am glad to have him join our leadership team.”
Schroeder has more than two decades of experience in higher education and a proven record for enhancing student success, developing innovative programs and fostering academic excellence.
Before becoming associate provost for undergraduate education and student success in 2023, Schroeder served as chair for MSU's Department of Mathematics beginning in July 2018. He first came to MSU in 2002 as a professor of mathematics and continued in that position for 16 years.
As a professor, Schroeder led the redesign of the general education curriculum, established an actuarial sciences program, and helped establish the mathematics curriculum for the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics, MSU's dual-credit, residential STEM+X academy for academically gifted high school students. During his time as a professor, he was awarded the department’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2007 and the department’s Outstanding Service Award in 2009 and again in 2015.
As chair of the Department of Mathematics, he established and oversaw the Mathematics Tutoring & Learning Center, expanded the Eagle Scholars dual-credit program, and helped establish both the Ryan Elmore Scholarship (for data analytics students) and a peer coach model for enhanced courses through a Council for Postsecondary Education (CPE) grant. Schroeder also helped the department surpass the goal of a 50% pass rate for undergraduate students in general education math courses.
As associate provost, Schroeder helped oversee and spearhead several successful measures. He was key in developing the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) to MSU Transfer pathways. He worked with the CPE on various initiatives to improve academic outcomes. Schroeder also helped expand MSU's George M. Luckey Academic Honors Program and led the Complete College Accelerator Initiative to increase student retention and success. He’s been an advocate for MSU's Level UP program to provide students with critical career skills through hands-on educational experiences.
Schroeder earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education – Mathematics in 1995 from Concordia before earning a Master of Science in Mathematics (1998) and a Ph.D. in Mathematics (2002) from Kansas State University.
“When I arrived at Morehead State University over two decades ago, I never dreamed what a difference the University would have on my life,” said Schroeder. “I have had the opportunity to work alongside many amazing faculty and administrative mentors and I’ve developed a deep connection to the region and the students we serve. My family, including my wife Kendra and our three kids, love Morehead and we are honored to consider it home.”
The provost provides leadership in MSU's goal to increase its reputation and become the best public regional university in the South. As provost, Schroeder will work with senior leadership in its desire to focus on student success through academic excellence, strong institutional partnerships, scholarship and research, meaningful service to the region, and effective resource utilization.
“I am honored to accept this role and continue serving the University during this exciting time of transformation,” said Schroeder. “I look forward to working with faculty to ensure every student’s potential is nurtured. I am committed to inspiring innovation and collaboration as we aim toward our goal of becoming the best public regional University in the South."
Schroeder is married to Kendra Schroeder, a former MSUTeach master teacher and they have three children: Anna Marie, 16, Luke, 14, and Scarlet, 11.
