USI appoints Provost, announces changes in Undergraduate Admissions
The University of Southern Indiana has named Dr. Shelly B. Blunt, Provost for the University, effective December 1, 2024. She has served as Interim Provost since July 1, 2023.
“Dr. Blunt has a dedicated history of service to USI and has been a longstanding, vital contributor in the Provost’s Office,” said Steven J. Bridges, USI Interim President. “I have made this appointment with stability in mind and look forward to her continued contributions and strategic leadership in our mission of providing exceptional education to our students.”
Blunt has a long track record at the University joining in 1999. Before being tapped for the Interim Provost position, she briefly served as Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education after serving as the Interim Dean for the Pott College since January 2023. Blunt also was Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs and two years later Associate Provost for Academic Affairs between 2012 and 2022. She additionally served as Associate Dean for the Pott College for six years. Blunt is a member of the Science Education Foundation of Indiana Board, the Medical Professions Academy Advisory Board, Joshua Academy Board and has served on numerous state-wide committees for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Blunt is actively involved in STEM education and undergraduate advising, has served as a University Advising Fellow and received the Outstanding Advisor of the Year and the Phenomenal Women of USI awards. Other accomplishments under her leadership include the creation of first year advising centers in each of USI’s academic colleges, the successful implementation of a new general education core, the development of a University-wide first-year seminar class (UNIV 101) and the implementation of state-wide articulation agreements.
She earned her undergraduate degree at Truman State University and her doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of Iowa.
As part of the appointment, Blunt will assume strategic oversight for University Division which includes the four College Advising Centers and the Center for Exploring Majors, Career Counseling and the Academic Success Center (academic coaching, study skills and tutoring).
With the departure of Troy Miller, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, for another professional opportunity, Interim President Bridges is appointing Rashad Smith, Executive Director of Enrollment, to Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions, reporting directly to the President effective December 9. Smith will manage Undergraduate Admissions, Student Financial Assistance and New Student and Transitional Programs.
“Rashad Smith has been an integral driver of undergraduate enrollment during his tenure at USI and will continue to do so in this elevated assignment,” Bridges said.
Smith has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and began at USI in April 2016 as the Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Prior to joining USI, he served as the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness and as the Director of Admissions for Kentucky Wesleyan College. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Overall student enrollment and retention will be supported by a senior committee led by the President and composed of the University’s Vice Presidents, Provost, College and School of Graduate Studies Deans, Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions, Executive Director of Student Success, Director of Student Financial Assistance and Chief Information Officer.
