The University of Montevallo (UM) named Courtney Bentley as the new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to be named provost and vice president of Academic Affairs for the University of Montevallo," Bentley said. "I believe the strength of the University's premiere academic programs are grounded in our liberal arts identity, and I look forward to building on these traditions to embrace challenges and celebrate success as we move forward."

Bentley has been serving in an interim capacity in the position since January.

"During the last year, Dr. Bentley served extremely well as our interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs," said Dr. John Stewart, University of Montevallo president. "She went about her work with such devotion, care and thoughtfulness that it became clear to me that we could not hope to find someone else of her caliber to serve as our academic leader on campus. I'm really pleased with our selection."

Bentley previously served as UM's Dean of the College of Education and Human Development.

Bentley served as Associate Dean for the School of Education at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and director of the Malone Center for Excellence in Teaching UM. She has also worked at the University of Central Florida and Troy University.

Bentley's new official position will be effective September 1.

The University of Montevallo emphasizes the importance of "undergraduate liberal studies" and "professional programs supported by a broad base of arts and sciences, designed for their intellectual and personal growth in pursuit of meaningful employment and responsible, informed citizenship."

The school's core values are listed as:

  • Diversity, equality and inclusion

  • Intellectual and personal growth

  • Civic engagement and social justice

  • Global citizenship and sustainability

Niche.com ranked UM as the number one college in the state to study English but 18th out of 24 in diversity.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.

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