St. Xavier announces new provost

“St. Xavier is a university on the rise with a reputation of academic excellence and unwavering commitment to students. As chief academic officer, I will partner with the SXU Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff to continue SXU’s legacy of academic excellence, manage challenges, optimize the portfolio of academic programs so it is mission-driven and market-aligned, and facilitate student leadership and success,” Othman said.

Othman earned both his Ph.D. and M.S. in mathematics from the University of Iowa and his B.S. in mathematics and physics from the United Arab Emirates University. Othman currently serves as provost at National Louis University in Chicago. He served as associate provost at Marian University-Indianapolis and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences/Graduate and Adult Studies at Aurora University, where he also sat on the Faculty Advisory Council to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Well-versed in the challenges facing higher education, Othman is an accomplished academic leader and is committed to SXU’s Mercy mission and strategic vision.

“I appreciate the Mercy mission and Catholic philosophy of educating the whole person—mind, body and spirit. It is critical to graduate competent professionals with outstanding technical skills in addition to teaching them the value of ethical conduct and personal responsibility so that they are prepared to do good in the world,” Othman said. “I grew up with values and traditions that align with the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, and I deeply believe that valuing our basic humanity and respecting the dignity of all people sets the stage for social justice and peace.”

SXU President Laurie M. Joyner praised Othman.

“I look forward to Dr. Othman joining our senior leadership team and am confident he will be a valuable asset to the university as we continue to focus on strategic priorities surrounding mission integration, educational quality, student success and financial sustainability.”