Vice Provost Elizabeth O’Brien
Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga vice provost for faculty affairs, has been selected for the 2026-27 Becoming a Provost Academy, a yearlong leadership program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) designed to prepare aspiring chief academic officers.
O’Brien is one of 37 higher education professionals nationwide chosen for the latest cohort. Offered in partnership with the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI), the academy is designed for experienced deans, assistant or associate provosts and other senior academic administrators preparing for provost and vice president for academic affairs roles. AASCU said the program provides preparation in the areas of greatest concern to provosts while helping participants better understand the broader context in which their institutions operate.
Since the academy’s inception, 225 alumni have moved into provost positions and 39 have gone on to serve as college and university presidents or chancellors, according to AASCU.
“This is an opportunity to learn and extend my knowledge of the provost role,” O’Brien said. “It gives me the opportunity to have some perspective on what we do really well here at UTC, but also the places where I can grow and develop my skills even further.”
O’Brien began serving as UTC’s vice provost for faculty affairs in January. In that role, she oversees faculty personnel processes, including reappointment, tenure and promotion, post-tenure review and annual evaluation. She also works with UTC’s colleges and the Faculty Senate to support faculty success and advance the University’s academic mission.
Before being named vice provost, O’Brien was a UC Foundation professor and director of the School of Professional Studies in UTC’s College of Health, Education and Professional Studies. She has been a member of the UTC faculty since 2007.
As director of the School of Professional Studies, she led programs in counseling, school psychology, social work and interior architecture. Her work included overseeing program accreditations, mentoring faculty, managing budgets and supporting curriculum development across multiple disciplines.
Her selection for the Becoming a Provost Academy comes at a point when O’Brien said she is thinking more intentionally about the path of academic leadership.
“What I want to be thoughtful about is the fact that leadership is a step, it’s not a leap,” she said.
In addition to her administrative leadership, O’Brien is the principal investigator for UTC’s $2.4 million Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. The grant supports the preparation of behavioral health professionals serving children, adolescents and young adults in high-need areas across Southeast Tennessee.
O’Brien said the program will also help her gain perspective on issues affecting higher education, including enrollment and student retention.
“We need to stay sharp and we need to stay thoughtful about how we continue to retain students and also bring new students in,” she said.
AASCU highlighted the importance of the provost’s role in announcing this year’s cohort.
“It is encouraging to see such a strong group of academic leaders preparing to take on one of the most critical roles at an institution,” said Dr. Terry Brown, AASCU vice president of academic innovation and transformation. “We’re excited to support this cohort as they continue to grow as leaders and expand their impact within their campus communities.”
The program includes a Professional Experience Plan that helps participants assess strengths and identify growth opportunities. AASCU also said it allows cohort members to learn from peers, share perspectives and build relationships with mentors and academic leaders from institutions across the country.
“We are delighted to welcome such a talented group of leaders to the program,” said Dr. Javier Cevallos, president of AALI. “We look forward to working with them this year and to watching as they move forward to continue to strengthen higher education.”
