Kenneth Holford, dean of PNW’s College of Engineering and Sciences, has been named PNW’s new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Holford, who has worked at PNW and its predecessor institutions for 18 years, will start his new job on May 11. As the school’s chief academic officer, he will oversee PNW’s six colleges, international recruitment, study abroad, retention efforts and other educational quality initiatives. He was chosen following a nationwide search.

“Dr. Holford’s commitment to helping students succeed, demonstrated commitment to faculty collaboration and transparency, and success in securing funding for important initiatives helped set him apart from other candidates for this key position,” said PNW Chancellor Thomas L. Keon.

A biology professor, Holford has served as the dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences since PNW’s formation in 2016. Earlier, he was dean of the College of Sciences and chair of the Department of Biology and Chemistry for Purdue University North Central.