Leading with a Marianist heart

Darlene Weaver, a moral theologian with 25 years of experience in Catholic higher education as a faculty member and administrator, is the new provost and executive vice president of academic affairs for the University of Dayton. She is the first externally hired provost at UD since the position was created and the first woman to hold this executive-level leadership role.

During a recent retreat with other members of University leadership, Weaver called her appointment a “full-circle moment.” The eldest daughter of a widowed mother, her own college path started at Carnegie Mellon University as a Pell-eligible student. Her love of learning continued to grow.

“I didn’t know what graduate school meant, but I saw a poster one day in the hallway advertising a summer session at Oxford, and I applied,” she said. “When I was accepted, I showed the letter to my mom and said, ‘Wow, I know I can’t go, but at least I got in.’ She went to the credit union and took out a loan so I could go.

“It’s one of my greatest goals, that I help advance the work of supporting students for whom a University of Dayton degree might have seemed out of reach and find ways to not only continue to attract deserving students but also mitigate barriers to their success while they’re here.”

Most recently, Weaver was the associate provost for academic affairs at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She is also a graduate of Yale University and the University of Chicago, and held faculty appointments at Georgetown University, Villanova University and Duquesne.

“It’s one of my greatest goals, that I help advance the work of supporting students for whom a University of Dayton degree might have seemed out of reach.”

During the nationwide search, Weaver stood out to the provost search advisory committee as someone with impressive credentials and a personality that aligns with the culture and community on campus.

“She has shown herself to be someone who cares about the University of Dayton as well as our place in the city of Dayton and the southwest Ohio region,” Michelle Mathile and Jana Bennett, co-chairs of the committee, said in a joint statement. “She is a hard-working professional whose strategic, engaging, relational and inclusive demeanor will fit in well here.”

President Eric F. Spina said Weaver builds deep relationships, has an innate respect and understanding of shared governance, and possesses an ability to lead successful, mission-driven institutional change — with a Marianist heart.

Weaver said she is honored and excited to be part of the University of Dayton and looks forward to partnering with the talented students, faculty and staff. 

“I have long admired UD’s excellence, innovation and integrity.”

“UD’s commitment to being the University for the Common Good resonates with my own values and vision for Catholic higher education,” she said. “I have long admired UD’s excellence, innovation and integrity, qualities that are evident in the University’s academic programs, student experiences, research profile, community engagement, and its work on diversity, equity and inclusion.”