ADA – Dr. Carol Linder joined the administration at East Central University on July 2 as provost and vice president for academic affairs. She comes to Ada from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
“So many people ask me, ‘Why Ada?’” Linder said. “I felt very at home here. Even after a day and a half during my on-campus interview, I knew this is a place I could be happy – at the university and in the community.”
Coming from a regional university like ECU, Linder has the knowledge of the importance of ECU and how it makes an impact not only locally, but at a regional, state and even national level.
“I believe in the mission of regional universities and the opportunities for all students to succeed. Students attending ECU can get an exceptional education that is affordable and often closer to home,” Linder said. “With our small class size and numerous support services, students develop close relationships with faculty and staff that benefit them during their college career and prepare them for the future.”
With the numerous resources that ECU possesses, including a diverse and talented faculty, scholarship opportunities and grants, Linder thinks the resources are unlimited in helping a college student reach success.
“I am excited about where ECU is in the strategic planning process,” said Linder. “With the input from the local and university communities, I am thrilled to jump on the train and help ECU with its mission and vision.”
Linder’s commitment is to offer high-impact practices and engage students inside the classroom and out. “We want everyone to feel welcome. I like the idea of inclusive excellence in which we bring together the values of a diverse population and learn from each other,” Linder said.
“Dr. Linder brings excitement and a contagious spirit to the provost position,” said ECU President Katricia G. Pierson. “I feel confident that she will effectively live up to ECU’s mission of being a student-centered university.”
Linder served as interim associate vice president for academic affairs and provost at the New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Prior to her research and administrative experience at Highlands, Linder was an associate director at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, which focused on genomics research and resources to improve human health. She also has an extensive background in research with interests in cell and developmental biology, regulation of sperm development, mouse genetics and models for human diseases.
Linder received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in biological sciences in 1990, a master’s in exercise physiology from UT in 1985 and bachelor of science in exercise technology from the University of New Mexico in 1982.
Her husband, Peter, is a Latin American historian. They have two adult children – daughter, Katie, and son, Charlie. Katie is a second-year medical student at the Mayo Clinic and Charlie recently graduated from the Naval Academy and will start nuclear power submarine school in August.