Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, an educational researcher whose work on racial equity and teacher preparation has received national recognition, will be the next provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Michigan University.
Vasquez Helig—who is currently the dean of the School of Education at the University of Kentucky—is slated to step into his new role in January.
"We are thrilled to have Dr. Vasquez Heilig bring his experience and track record of achievement to help elevate Western Michigan University's mission as our chief academic officer," said Dr. Edward Montgomery, president of WMU. "He is a proven scholar who also has been elevated to leadership roles at major public universities in three states, including at Kentucky's flagship institution. He brings outstanding results in growing enrollment, increasing student and faculty diversity, developing innovative programs, and forging beneficial partnerships inside and outside the academy," added Montgomery. 
Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig
The selection of Vasquez Heilig as provost is a game changer for WMU, say higher education leaders who point to his tenure at UK where he strategically increased student enrollment in the College of Education by 63 percent, noting that his efforts have focused on increasing diversity among teachers. For example, under his leadership, first-year students majoring in teacher preparation programs grew by 275% and he was intentional about recruiting faculty of color to the university.
His presence—working alongside Montgomery, who is African American—is rare in academe, where only a few university presidents of color at research universities have also tapped a person of color to serve as their provost and vice president of academic affairs—a strategic position—viewed as the number two post at an institution.
