Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., today announced Laura Lee McIntyre as MSU’s next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs following a comprehensive national search.
“Dr. McIntyre brings palpable energy and outstanding experience in advancing knowledge and transforming lives — experience that perfectly aligns with Michigan State University’s priorities as a proudly public research university,” said Guskiewicz. “Under her leadership, the University of Oregon’s College of Education has thrived, with a collaborative culture leading to new academic programs, more robust student advising services, stronger graduate enrollment, increased student scholarships, more research awards, increased revenue and a meaningful commitment to shared governance and faculty development . . . all achievements that echo the strengths and goals of MSU.
“As president, I am committed to putting leadership in place that best positions Michigan State University and our students for the future. I am confident that Laura Lee shares our ‘one team’ approach to embracing our rich land-grant traditions while becoming a more contemporary and bold institution, cementing MSU’s place as Michigan’s state university.”
A national search for provost was announced in October 2024 and was co-chaired by College of Music Dean Jim Forger and Felicia Wu, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. The search was conducted with support from executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates.
As provost, McIntyre will be the chief academic officer for the university, providing leadership for academic programs, research and outreach involving faculty, students and staff.
“Michigan State University’s deep commitment to research, discovery and access to high-quality education aligns with my values as an academic leader,” said McIntyre. “It is an honor to be selected as the next provost of the university, and I look forward to advancing MSU’s mission through collaborative and coordinated leadership. As a person who is passionate about public higher education as an engine that improves lives and creates a more sustainable future, I am excited about continuing innovative academic and research programs and championing bold ideas that advance student success.
“I’m inspired by the passion and purpose I see in MSU’s students, faculty and staff. Together, we will foster a learning environment that’s inclusive, collaborative and focused on meaningful impact — on campus and beyond.”
McIntyre currently serves as dean of the College of Education and the Castle-McIntosh-Knight Professor in school psychology at the University of Oregon. McIntyre has a strong track record of forging community partnerships, helping to support the establishment of UO’s Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health, which is implementing a new national model for expanding the mental health workforce and delivering much needed support in schools and community settings. She also helped expand UO’s HEDCO Clinic, which serves hundreds of children and adults each year with evidence-based behavioral health services.
McIntyre is an accomplished scholar. Her research focuses on children’s mental and behavioral health, special education, and prevention and intervention to promote child and family well-being in vulnerable and underserved populations. McIntyre is known for her work in early childhood, autism, family-centered interventions and family-school partnerships for children with disabilities. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, certified school psychologist and board-licensed psychologist.
McIntyre earned a doctorate in school psychology from the University of California, Riverside, and holds a master’s degree in special education from the same institution. Her bachelor’s degree is in developmental psychology from La Sierra University. McIntyre completed her predoctoral internship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Pediatrics) Kennedy Krieger Institute.
McIntyre will succeed current interim provost Thomas D. Jeitschko, Ph.D., who has served in that role for nearly three years. Jeitschko will return to his role as senior associate provost during this transition.
“Dr. Jeitschko has been an invaluable resource to the university as interim provost over the past few years, and we are grateful,” said Guskiewicz. “He has focused on community building through his attendance and support at university events, promoted cross-functional collaboration as a leader of the ‘one team’ approach, recruited and made several excellent leadership appointments, and emphasized the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement by strengthening relationships across Michigan State University. We will continue to build upon Thomas’ contributions in the coming months and years.”
McIntyre’s appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at their next formal meeting, scheduled for June 13. Her planned start date is Aug. 4, 2025.