On Friday, Jan. 31, University President Rev. Peter M. Donahue, O.S.A., Ph.D. announced that Dr. Craig Wheeland, Senior Vice Provost for Academics and Professor of Public Administration, will step down from his position at the end of the academic year. He has held this position since June of 2021.
Wheeland has been a member of the Villanova community since 1990. He served as the Graduate Director of the MA Program in Political Science beginning in 1997. He has also held the positions of the Department of Political Science Chair and Founding Director of the Graduate Program in Public Administration. In May of 2007, Wheeland was named the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Wheeland was promoted to the position of Vice Provost for Academics in 2015. He became a member of Fr. Peter’s Cabinet as Senior Vice Provost for Academics the following year.
In an email sent to students and faculty, Fr. Peter expressed the impact of Dr. Wheeland’s leadership and dedication to the Villanova community.
“Dr. Wheeland has been a dedicated and eager participant on many committees, councils, task forces and working groups—bettering Villanova through his thoughtful and level-headed approach,” Fr. Peter said. “One example of his leadership was during the COVID-19 pandemic. He led our efforts to ensure that instruction continued during the initial shutdown and spearheaded countless policies and procedures that enabled Villanova to continue operating successfully during those uncertain times.”
Throughout his time as Senior Vice Provost for Academics, Wheeland was responsible for overseeing faculty and policy matters. He worked with leaders of Faculty Congress to adjust the Steady State Retirement Program for tenured faculty members, established the CNT promotion process in the Rank and Tenure Policy,
“Dr. Wheeland’s far-reaching impact during his tenure at Villanova cannot be overstated,” Fr. Peter said in a press release from the University. “He is a humble individual of the highest integrity who has selflessly contributed to the advancement and success of Villanova’s academic enterprise. His prolific work and efforts continuously exemplify his commitment to our Augustinian values and mission, and he is a tireless advocate and mentor for his colleagues, going above and beyond to ensure success in their roles.”
As the Director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, Wheeland assisted in the enrollment growth and curriculum restructure and guided the program towards Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) accreditation. He also led multiple faculty searches, mentored new faculty members and has advised many students who work in government management positions across the state and country.
“Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Craig knows his tremendous impact on Villanova, both academically and administratively,” Fr. Peter said in the email. “I believe the sign of a great leader is someone who leaves a place better than he found it, and Craig certainly fits the bill.”
Wheeland will remain at Villanova until July to aid with transition and replacement efforts. His sabbatical will begin in August.
