Dr. Teresa A. Garrett
to lead Academic Affairs, beginning July 1
CONWAY, Ark. (April 3, 2024) — Hendrix College has named Dr. Teresa A.
Garrett as Executive Vice President of
Academic Affairs and Provost of the College.
Garrett will join the
Hendrix community on July 1 and comes to Hendrix from Sweet Briar College in Virginia,
where she served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
and is a faculty member of the Department of Chemistry.
“We are excited and
fortunate to welcome Dr. Garrett to the Hendrix community as Provost. As an
accomplished scholar, teacher, and leader, she will add tremendous value to our
leadership team and to our work in Academic Affairs as we plan for the future
of the College,” said Hendrix College President Karen Petersen.
Garrett was selected by
President Petersen after a national search led by Academic Search, Inc., and a
local committee including faculty, staff, alumni, and a student representative.
“I am grateful to our
campus search committee for their diligent and thoughtful deliberation during
this critical process. Their care and concern for finding the best fit for our
next Provost was essential to our success,” Petersen added.
“We are delighted to
welcome Dr. Garrett to Hendrix,” said Professor of History Dr. Sasha Pfau, who co-chaired
the search committee. “She comes to us with extensive experience as a faculty
member and administrator at small, residential liberal arts colleges. At Sweet
Briar, her role as Vice President of Academic Affairs included oversight of
Student Affairs, so she brings important knowledge and expertise that will help
us holistically integrate those pieces of the student experience.”
As
Sweet Briar’s chief academic officer, Garrett worked with colleagues to revise
17 academic programs and develop a new Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture
certificate program. She led the development of a Summer Arts Retreat with
writing, sound design, photography, and dance courses, and the integration of the
school’s greenhouse into the academic program with community-supported
agriculture and a farmer’s market. In addition to overseeing Student Affairs,
she also worked closely with the college’s alumni engagement, development, and enrollment
teams to achieve the institution’s fundraising and student recruitment goals. Prior
to her tenure at Sweet Briar, Garrett was Associate Dean of Faculty and
Professor of Chemistry at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York.
“I am so honored to get
to work with the talented and committed Hendrix community as Provost,” said
Garrett. “I am thrilled to work with President Petersen and her team to build
on Hendrix’s legacy of academic excellence, commitment to the liberal arts, and
dedication to engaged learning that positively impacts the lives of students. I
can’t wait to get started!”
Garrett earned her Bachelor
of Science degree in biochemistry from Florida State University and her Ph.D.
in biochemistry from Duke University, where she also taught as an assistant
research professor.
She will succeed Interim
Provost Dr. David Sutherland, who is retiring at the end of this academic year
after 32 years at Hendrix. A professor of mathematics, Sutherland served for 20
years as the College’s associate provost for academic affairs.
“Dr. Sutherland’s
institutional knowledge has been a tremendous asset as we prepare for this
transition,” Petersen said. “I am grateful for his service this past year as
Interim Provost and congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement after a
distinguished career at Hendrix.”
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876,
Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will
Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s
leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning
opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The
Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has
been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with
the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable
living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of
accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College
Statement of Purpose