Message from the Provost

Dear Students,

Welcome to Carroll University, Wisconsin’s pioneer college. You are joining a wonderful community of engaged learners and teachers at an exciting moment in our history.

At Carroll we truly value the liberal arts and the depth and breadth of knowledge they offer. Whether it be completing a philosophy or history course or your cross-cultural experience, our dedicated and engaged faculty will help you develop curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning. In concert with our commitment to the liberal arts and Pioneer Core curriculum is our distinction in areas such as the health sciences and business. You’ll find courses, majors, and faculty at Carroll that ignite your love of learning.

Your experience at Carroll will extend far beyond the classrooms. We offer a wide array of campus activities, including athletics, clubs, and organizations. Each will enrich your campus experience and allow you to make connections and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Living and learning at Carroll University will prepare you for your vocational success and we are a community that is committed to you as a student and person. All are welcome here, and we are proud to have you join the Pioneer family.

Sincerely,

Mark Blegen
Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs

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December 5, 2024

Colleagues,

Moments ago, our Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Mark Blegen, was announced as the 21st president of Linfield University in McMinnville, OR.  Please join me in offering our sincere congratulations to Mark.  

Mark holds a doctorate in exercise physiology from Kent State University (OH), a master’s degree in exercise physiology from St. Cloud University (MN) and a Bachelor of Arts in sports science with a sports medicine focus from St. Olaf College (MN). He began his academic career teaching as an assistant professor at Mount Union College (OH) and Springfield College (MA). Mark held posts at St. Catherine University in Minnesota. He served as associate dean, then dean of health sciences at the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health and chaired the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science.

Mark joined the Carroll community six years ago and quickly became a valued member of our Senior Leadership Team. His genuine care for the Carroll community has shown through every day. During his time at Carroll, Mark oversaw the development of several undergraduate and graduate programs, including engineering, pathologists’ assistant, and behavioral health psychology, supported the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Platform (ERP), and successfully guided Academic Affairs through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mark accomplished a great deal more during his tenure at Carroll. His thoughtful and kind approach will have a lasting impact on Carroll and everyone who had the pleasure of engaging with him. The role of Provost is never easy, and I thank Mark for the kindness, sincerity, and honesty that he provided to the entire university community. He will be missed.

We are confident he will make lasting contributions at Linfield University just as he did at Carroll, and we wish him our very best as he begins this new professional chapter. Mark will be with us through the end of the current academic year and will assume his duties as president of Linfield University on July 1, 2025.  I will provide updates as we prepare for Mark’s departure and our next steps moving forward. 

Again, please join me in congratulating Mark.  So richly deserved!

Sincerely, 
Cindy

Dr. Cindy Gnadinger
President