Slippery Rock University has named Timothy Slekar as associate provost for academic innovation and dean of graduate and continuing education. Slekar was appointed to the newly created position following a national search and he will start at SRU on May 19.
In this role reporting to the provost, Slekar will help the Academic Affairs division identify and develop new opportunities for academic programming to enhance the University’s existing offerings. He will work in collaboration with a wide range of internal and external partners, particularly in industry and state and local governments, to better understand the workforce needs of the regional economy and to support the faculty and deans in developing programs that are responsive to those needs.
Additionally, as dean of graduate and continuing education, Slekar will work closely with the deans of SRU’s five colleges to coordinate academic advising and scheduling for new and existing graduate and continuing education students.
“Dr. Slekar is a great addition to our executive leadership team, and we are excited about the skills and ideas that he will bring to the University,” said Michael Zieg, SRU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “SRU has had success in recent decades by adding innovative programs, and through Dr. Slekar’s efforts, we expect to further advance ourselves as the first-choice option for our students and for employers in this region.
“In addition to being grateful to have Dr. Slekar join our team, we also appreciate the search committee for their excellent work. They identified and brought to campus several highly qualified applicants, allowing us to select from a strong pool of candidates.”
Slekar was previously the executive director of Muskingum University’s Department of Education Studies, where, from 2021-24, he led an academic unit responsible for educator preparation programs in undergraduate and graduate teacher and leader licensing programs in Ohio.
“I can’t wait to build on existing partnerships, create new collaborations with industry leaders, and expand credential and degree opportunities,” Slekar said. “Together, we’re going to strengthen SRU’s role in shaping Pennsylvania’s intellectual and workforce future.”
Prior to his time at Muskingum, Slekar was a dean of the School of Education at Edgewood College in Wisconsin from 2013-20, and prior to that he was a co-coordinator of education programs at Penn State Altoona, where he was an assistant (2003-06) and associate (2006-08) professor of education.
A native of Pittsburgh, Slekar earned his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction and elementary social studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education at Edinboro University and Millersville University, respectively, both of which, like SRU, are members of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.
“I’m thrilled to be coming back to the public higher education system that launched my career and to be joining Slippery Rock University,” Slekar said. “SRU understands that innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential for making the University a first choice for students.”
