Monmouth, Ore. —Western Oregon University announces that Randi Storch, Ph.D., will serve as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs beginning July 1, following the departure of current Provost Jose Coll, who will assume the role of President at Western New Mexico University.
Storch has served as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Western since June 30, 2025.
Before coming to Western, Storch had a distinguished career at the State University of New York Cortland. She served as department chair for nine years and earned the rank of tenured full professor and Distinguished Teaching Professor. Storch also has extensive experience with collective bargaining and shared governance. Additionally, she was an A.C.E. fellow, during which time she served as Advisor to the President’s Office at San Diego State University and Advisor to the President and Board of Governors at Guilford College.
“I have been impressed with her work as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences since her arrival,” shares WOU President Jesse Peters. “She brings the right balance of experience, new ideas, and vision while also demonstrating a passion for this institution, its students, and its employees.” Peters emphasizes that this decision also allows the other leaders in Academic Affairs to maintain their strong and needed work in assessment, accreditation, bargaining, program review, professional development, academic innovation, and more.
Storch shares that she is honored to serve as Interim Provost and to support the faculty, staff, and students who make WOU’s academic mission come alive everyday. “I look forward to working with President Peters and our talented teams to advance the work of academic affairs and our shared mission together.”
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.