Karen F. Gaines

Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculty

The Provost and Dean of the Faculty oversees academic affairs and its internal operations, working closely with all stakeholders, including the Faculty Senate, to encourage effective collaboration and inspire new areas of scholarship. The Provost and Dean of the Faculty ensures student success with direct responsibility for all academic units and oversees the academic budget. The Office of the Provost strives to deliver a contemporary and innovative academic vision for Norwich University while fostering a diverse and inclusive living, learning, and working community.

Meet the Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Dr. Karen F. Gaines

Dr. Karen Gaines has served as the Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Norwich University since 2022, where she oversees academic affairs and its internal operations. Dr. Gaines’s Ph.D. is in Environmental Toxicology from the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health. 

She is internationally recognized for her expertise in environmental and human toxicological risk assessment and worked for the Department of Energy prior to entering academia. Dr. Gaines is also a Certified Wildlife Biologist and has consulted for the USEPA, USFWS, USDA, NASA as well as the US Department of Defense and continues to serve these agencies in various capacities.

Norwich student surrounded by lab.

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences' goal is to help students better understand the world and the complexities of today's society, be aware of moral, ethical, and social issues, be prepared to exercise intellectual leadership and engage in scientific inquiry.

Norwich students commissioning into the Army and standing in front of American Flags in a row.

College of National Services

Norwich University is proud to be the birthplace of America’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the only private Senior Military College.  We celebrate over two centuries of commissioned officer development. 

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College of Professional Schools

Cross-discipline training, hands-on practice and our spirit of collaboration let students strengthen conceptual foundations and develop practical, real-world skills. Our graduates leave with the confidence, empathy and motivation to build the industries, processes and structures our evolving society needs.

College of Graduate and Continuing Studies

College of Graduate and Continuing Studies

For over 25 years, Norwich University has delivered online education to thousands of individuals worldwide. Our students enroll because we meet them where they are, whether at their local coffee shop, in the comfort of their bedroom, or while caring for family members.  Our 100% online degree offerings stress flexibility, accessibility, affordability, and career advancement.

Academic Initiatives

Academic Research

Academic Innovation & Research

Research is a process for creating new knowledge.  Our mission is to support students across disciplines to pursue research and creative work with a faculty mentor, promoting the 200-year-old vision of the university as a learning community dedicated to personal and intellectual transformation.

Provost Gaines

Faculty Development

Norwich University faculty members are supported in their scholarly pursuits. The University provides ample resources for research initiatives. This support extends to securing external grants, publishing research findings, presenting at conferences, and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and academic exploration.

Provost Gaines with Students

Student Development

Norwich University is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and enriching student experience that goes beyond academic learning. The institution prioritizes the holistic development of its students, fostering personal growth, leadership skills, and a sense of community engagement.

 

Primary Points of Contact

Support Staff

Nicole Warner
Executive Assistant to the Provost

Jenn Renko
Director of Communications and Operations, Office of the Provost

 

Areas of Oversight

Contact: 
Meghan Oliver, M.Ed.
Director 
Career and Internship Center

Website

Contact: 
Dr. Dalyn Luedtke
Director

Website

Contact:
Dr. Michael Thunberg 
Director of the Honors Program

Website

Contact:
Dr. Dalyn Luedtke
Director
 

Contact:
Charles Debelius
Director of Institutional Effectiveness

Website

Contact:
Thy Yang
Assistant Vice President for International Education

Website

Contact:  
Greg Sauer 
Executive Director of Library Archives and Museum

Website

Contact: 
Keith Baranow, MA
Vice President of Military Partnerships and Business Development

Website

Contact: 
Cynthia Suter
Registrar

Website

Contact: 
Pamela Koppelmann
Director of Compliance

Website

Contact: 
John Hart, Jr.
Director 
Sullivan Museum and History Center

Website