Bringardner named associate provost for academic affairs

Following an internal search, Chase Bringardner, professor of theatre in the College of Liberal Arts, has been selected as the associate provost for academic affairs, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

As associate provost, Bringardner will work closely with campus leaders and other support units to advance the university’s academic mission, including central academic services and curricular processes. In addition to the university’s general education and core curriculum processes, Bringardner will oversee multiple Provost’s Office units, including University Advising, Academic Support, the Office of University Writing, the Office of Career Discovery and Success and the Registrar’s Office, among others. Additionally, Bringardner will manage key institutional processes, including administrator review, academic policy review and academic honesty.

As a member of the Provost’s Office leadership team, Bringardner will serve as the provost’s representative on various university, senate, and statewide committees, including the Enrollment Management Committee, the Retention Committee and the Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee, among others. Bringardner will assume the role from Norman Godwin, who has held the position since 2019, as he transitions to the permanent role of associate provost for faculty affairs.

“I am delighted to welcome Chase Bringardner to the Provost’s Office,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Vini Nathan. “Chase will be a tremendous addition to the Provost’s Office team as we advance our efforts to strengthen student success and continue offering robust academic programs and support services.”

An accomplished teacher and researcher in the field of popular entertainment, regional identity construction, and intersections of race, gender, and class in popular performance forms, Bringardner brings more than six years of experience to the role, including serving two terms as chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance where he worked with faculty to strengthen its academic programs and expand student opportunities to engage in high impact practices. Since 2019, Bringardner has co-led development programs for departmental leaders and also guided the department through accreditation processes with the National Association of Schools of Theatre. He has also held national leadership roles including, most recently, serving as president of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE).

“It’s an incredible privilege to join this outstanding team in the Provost’s Office,” Bringardner said. “I am eager to facilitate and foster efforts that support student success and elevate their experiences at Auburn University. I look forward to working hard each and every day on behalf of students, faculty, staff, and administrators to help write the next chapters of Auburn’s success.”

Bringardner joined Auburn in 2009 as an assistant professor, serving on numerous department, college and university committees before becoming chair. During his tenure as department chair, Bringardner led the department’s 16 full-time faculty, more than 150 undergraduate majors and minors and several full-time professional and administrative staff while overseeing the administration and artistic direction of a six-show production season. He was promoted to full professor in 2020.

Bringardner holds bachelor’s degrees in history and theatre from Davidson College and a master’s and doctoral degree in Theatre History and Criticism from the University of Texas, Austin.