Salve Regina University has appointed Dr. Aaron Lorenz as vice provost of graduate and professional studies, the university announced Monday.
Lorenz will lead strategy and planning for graduate programs at the Catholic university, building on Salve’s position as a provider of graduate education. He will report to Provost Dr. Nancy Schreiber and replace Dr. David Altounian, who will return to teaching in the Jean and David W. Wallace Department of Business and Economics in spring 2025.
“Dr. Lorenz distinguished himself in a highly competitive search as a great collaborator,” Schreiber said in a statement. “He is an ideal fit for bringing our team of directors, faculty and staff together as we continue to elevate academic rigor and deliver what both undergraduates and working professionals need in a graduate program.”
Lorenz brings more than 30 years of higher education experience to Salve. He most recently served as dean of the School of Social Science and Human Services and professor of Law & Society at Ramapo College in New Jersey.
At Ramapo, Lorenz led five graduate programs and helped create the college’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center. He grew one program from 20 students to more than 100 and launched a new sustainability major and degree completion program for adult students.
Lorenz holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, along with a master’s degree from San Diego State University and bachelor’s degree from California State University, Chico.
“Dr. Lorenz is both creative and entrepreneurial in building new programs, and highly successful in sustaining and growing them,” said Salve President Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong. “The initiatives he has pioneered are aligned with our mission at Salve to work toward a world that is more just, harmonious and merciful.”
Lorenz said he looks forward to building on existing graduate programs at the university.
“The graduate school experience enables students to see the bigger picture of their chosen field, whether they’re first entering the workforce or established in their careers,” he said. “I share Salve’s focus on educating the whole person and am excited to build on the foundation David has established.”
Salve Regina University, founded in 1947 by the Sisters of Mercy, enrolls more than 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in 48 undergraduate majors, nine master’s programs and four doctoral programs.
