Framingham State University Names Next Provost Thursday

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Framingham State University announced Thursday afternoon that Dr. Kristen Porter-Utley, the dean of the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics at Bridgewater State University, has accepted the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs at Framingham State University.

Her first day at Framingham State will be August 1.

Prior to joining Bridgewater State, Porter-Utley spent 12 years at Keene State College. She served there as assistant dean of sciences, chair of the biology department, and as an assistant tenured associate and full professor of biology.

As an administrator in higher education, she strives to empower and help faculty and staff members find new ways to support student success, locate essential resources for important work, and launch and sustain programs which truly make a difference for all students.

“Dr. Porter-Utley is an exceptional candidate for provost, and we are thrilled she has accepted the position,” said President F. Javier Cevallos, whose last day at FSU is June 30. “I’m grateful to the members of our search committee who helped us find a top candidate to fill this important role.”

Porter-Utley joins incoming President Dr. Nancy Niemi as new members of the leadership team at Framingham State.

“I had the opportunity to take part in the provost search and came away impressed with Dr. Porter-Utley’s vision for FSU and dedication to supporting students and faculty,” Niemi said. “She understands the challenges higher education is facing and has a demonstrated record of launching and sustaining programs at Bridgewater State that have made a significant impact on the lives of students. I’m grateful to have her join my leadership team. The FSU community is looking forward to working together as we embark on our next chapter.”

Porter-Utley holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental horticulture, an MS in botany and a PhD in botany, all from the University of Florida, Gainesville.

"I am honored to serve as the next provost and vice president for academic affairs at Framingham State University,” said Porter-Utley. “I am excited to collaborate with President Niemi, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners in the MetroWest region to ensure students continue to have access to excellent academic opportunities and experiences at the university. I am also delighted to be a part of a community which demonstrates that it values 'framily' and equitable access to higher education."

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 as the nation’s first public university for the education of teachers. Since that time, it has evolved into a vibrant, comprehensive liberal arts institution offering small, personalized classes on a beautiful New England campus.

Today, the university enrolls more than 6,000 students with 58 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences and professional fields. As a State College and University (SCU), Framingham State prides itself on quality academic programs, affordability, and commitment to access for all qualified students.