Although we’re still not entirely sure what the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs does all of the time when ze’s not preparing for scary inspections, we’re thrilled to report that Ruth Striegel, professor of psychology and Walter A. Crowell University Professor of the Social Sciences, will assume the position on July 1 after many months of heated anticipation mild curiosity. According to President Roth, Professor Striegel “embodies the Wesleyan ideal of using liberal learning to make a positive difference in the world,” which sounds solid, and has worked at Mount Holyoke with then-President Joanne V. Creighton, who totally served as acting president of Wesleyan before Doug Bennet ’59 swooped in from the clouds. Additionally, her research focuses primarily on eating and weight disorders, as described in this Wesleyan Connection article.

Anyway. Here’s the announcement email from President Roth:

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Ruth Striegel, professor of psychology and Walter A. Crowell University Professor of the Social Sciences, has agreed to become Wesleyan’s next provost and vice president for academic affairs. She will assume this position on July 1, succeeding Rob Rosenthal, who will be returning to the faculty as John E. Andrus Professor of Sociology.