Kansas State University

Mohr-Schroeder appointed inaugural vice provost for academic affairs and innovation

Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing

Margaret Mohr-Schroeder has been appointed Kansas State University's inaugural vice provost for academic affairs and innovation.

She will begin her position as head of K-State's newly created Office of Academic Affairs and Innovation on Oct. 1.

"Dr. Mohr-Schroeder is a proven leader in advancing and accelerating innovative educational techniques and strategies," said Provost and Executive Vice President Jesse Perez Mendez. "Her leadership, expertise and vision are essential assets to help us continue to build on the world-class education offered at K-State."

Mohr-Schroeder, a native Kansan, said she is excited to work with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners to shape a K-State education that rises to the evolving needs of the state and world.

"I am deeply honored to be selected as the inaugural vice provost for academic affairs and innovation at Kansas State University," Mohr-Schroeder said. "What drew me to this position is K-State's visionary commitment to becoming a next-generation land-grant institution, particularly through its emphasis on interdisciplinary programs and opportunities, and expanding access and partnerships across Kansas' 105 counties."

Mohr-Schroeder is currently a professor of STEM education and senior associate dean of academic programs and partnerships in the College of Education at the University of Kentucky.

In various positions in the college, she spearheaded the creation of several programs, including: a transdisciplinary STEM education double-major program; a first-year experience for freshmen education majors; and various college partnerships with local school, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Mohr-Schroeder's work as a principal or co-principal investigator in STEM and teacher preparation research helped bring nearly $20 million in external funding to the University of Kentucky.

At K-State, Mohr-Schroeder will report directly to the provost as the office realigns its structure to best meet the academic needs of the university. She will be responsible for ensuring the high quality of all K-State academics, including for-credit and noncredit programs in all modalities, while supporting the infusion and integration of innovative academic practices across the university.

Mohr-Schroeder will play a pivotal role working with faculty to guide the general direction of the university's academic portfolio of programs for all students in alignment with student and workforce needs now and in the future. She will also provide direction and support for faculty programs, policies and services, including the Teaching and Learning Center.

The new Center for Academic Innovation will also report to her. The center includes market intelligence and analysis, instructional design support, the Online Course Development Institute, noncredit program development and management, online course development grant, microcredential launch support and UFM community learning center.

Originally from Wichita, Mohr-Schroeder holds a bachelor's degree in education in mathematics and a master's degree in mathematics, both from Pittsburg State University.

She briefly worked as a middle school math teacher before earning her doctorate in curriculum and instruction, with emphases in mathematics and science education, at Texas A&M University.