Ryan Hendrickson was announced as Eastern’s next provost and vice president of academic affairs.

Hendrickson was one of four candidates that interviewed for the positions.

Eastern selected Hendrickson to officially fulfill the role, after being the interim provost for seven months, after Jay Gatrell left the position to serve as Eastern’s University President.

Hendrickson has worked at Eastern since 1999, and previously served as dean.

While in this role, Hendrickson looks to focus on the mental health and well-being of students, making sure students excel in the classroom and increasing enrollment numbers.

According to a press release from Eastern, Hendrickson said, “I am excited and honored to lead EIU as its next provost and vice president of academic affairs. I look forward to building upon EIU’s mission to be accessible to the widest possible group of students. The provost has a unique role in shaping and leading the university by ensuring that students can excel, that university staff are empowered to meet student needs, and faculty can flourish in their teaching, research and service activities. I am especially enthused about the opportunity to advance President Gatrell’s student success initiatives. We have new opportunities to make EIU a university where students from all backgrounds can come, thrive and achieve their academic and professional goals.”

Cam’ron Hardy can be reached at 581-2812 or at dennewsdesk@gmail.com.