Dr. Eric Wellington will assume the role of provost on May 19, the day after the university’s 2025 Commencement ceremonies. He succeeds Dr. Katie Barnes, who served as interim provost for three years and defined the position at Neumann.
Wellington will serve as Neumann’s chief academic officer and supervise its athletic teams and student affairs. He has served as dean of the university’s School of Business since 2017.
During his tenure as dean, the School of Business has seen significant growth, adding new academic programs (Cybersecurity, Esports), expanding facilities (Data Analytics Lab, NITE Center, Math Escape Room), increasing enrollment, recruiting leaders to the School of Business Advisory Board, and forging partnerships with public agencies (Aston Police Department).
“During his 25-year career in higher education, Eric has shown himself to be an innovative leader and a staunch advocate for student success,” said Dr. Chris Domes, Neumann’s president. “He appreciates the students we serve, understands their needs, and works tirelessly to ensure that their Neumann experience is exceptional.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to step into an even more significant leadership role at such a respected university,” Wellington said. “Neumann’s impact on the intellectual development and career preparation of its students is vital to the economic health of the region.”
Before coming to Neumann, Wellington worked for Delaware County Community College (DCCC) in Media, Pennsylvania, where he served as chief academic officer (2015-2017) and associate provost (2013-17). Additionally, over the past two decades he has taught a myriad of courses in computer science, communications, and education at DCCC, Capella University, Saint Joseph’s University, and West Chester University.
He earned his doctorate in higher educational administration from Capella University, his MA degree in communication studies at West Chester University, and his BA in speech communication from Youngstown State University.