Drake University is pleased to announce the selection of Joseph M. Valenzano III as the University’s next provost. Valenzano, an accomplished academic leader and communication scholar, currently serves as the Dean of the College of Communication at Butler University. He will officially begin his duties at Drake on July 1, 2026, upon the planned retirement of Provost Sue Mattison, announced in March 2025. As provost, Valenzano will serve as the chief academic officer, overseeing Drake’s seven colleges and schools.
“Dr. Valenzano is a visionary leader who understands firsthand the transformative power of a private, mission-driven liberal arts education,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “His proven track record of collaborative leadership, commitment to student success, and ability to foster innovation in service to mission makes him the ideal person to guide our academic enterprise. I am incredibly thankful for the work of the faculty-led Provost Search Committee, for the countless faculty and staff who provided input on the candidates, and for Provost Mattison’s decade-long service.”
The appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by a Provost Search Committee comprised of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and a trustee chaired by Professors Sandy Henry and Chuck Phillips. Valenzano was selected from a pool of more than 80 applicants. The search process included extensive vetting and on-campus forums during which finalists engaged directly with Drake faculty, staff, and students. The Drake Board of Trustees unanimously approved Valenzano’s appointment at their January board meeting.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Valenzano brings 20 years of experience in higher education, characterized by his dedication to shared governance and academic excellence. At Butler University, he oversaw the tripling of philanthropic giving to his college including securing the largest individual gift in its history. His dedication to academic innovation and student experience was evident through his leadership on various initiatives, including the formation of the Butler Sports and Entertainment Institute, development of several degree programs, building new experiential learning opportunities for students in six major markets, expanding study abroad opportunities, and partnering to create exclusive student ambassador opportunities at high-profile events in Indianapolis and the surrounding region.
Prior to his tenure at Butler, Valenzano spent more than a decade at the University of Dayton in various roles, including Department Chair and Academic Senate President. He is a widely published scholar whose research explores the intersections of religion, politics, and popular culture. He earned his Ph.D. from Georgia State University, an M.A. from the University of Maine, and a B.A. from Providence College.
“Drake University represents the rare combination of strengths I have loved and enjoyed about the places where I have had the good fortune to work and learn,” said Valenzano. “The impactful faculty, talented students, active alumni, dedicated staff, innovative programs, and mission-driven community are woven into the Drake DNA—recognizing and nurturing all of those components of a great campus matters. I look forward to building strong relationships throughout the Drake community and working with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to continue to advance its spirit of innovation and deep student-centered mission into the future.”
Honoring Provost Sue Mattison
Valenzano will succeed Provost Sue Mattison, who is retiring after a decade of distinguished service to Drake. Since joining the University in 2016, Provost Mattison has been a steadfast advocate for academic rigor and student well-being.
“Provost Mattison’s leadership has been exceptional,” said President Martin. “From guiding us through the challenges of the pandemic with her expertise in epidemiology to spearheading the development of nation-leading academic programs, the legacy of her service will be felt for generations to come. We are grateful that she will continue to serve through the remainder of the academic year to ensure a smooth transition.”