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On Thursday, December 1, ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� announced the appointment of Lynn M. Babington, PhD, RN, currently University Provost and Senior Vice President, as Interim President of the University. The appointment is effective January 1 ^st , 2017 and will be in place through June 2017.

“Since her arrival at ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ�, Lynn has been instrumental both in her role as Provost and Senior Vice President, but also in her continued quest for innovation and transformation,” said Frank J. Carroll III ‘89, Chairman, Board of Trustees. “I, along with the Board of Trustees, have the utmost confidence in Lynn and her ability to lead the University at this critically important time.”

“I am honored to serve as Interim President of this great Institution,” said Dr. Babington of her appointment. “Since my arrival in 2012, I knew Fairfield was on the brink of something great, and it makes me proud to be assuming this role at this time of accelerated growth and transformation at our University.”

Dr. Babington has served as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs since 2014. Prior to her role as Senior Vice President, she served as Dean of the School of Nursing at Fairfield since 2012 and also holds an appointment as Professor of Nursing. She has extensive experience in academic, hospital and clinical settings. Prior to joining ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ�, Dr. Babington was Associate Professor, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, and Director of the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program at Northeastern University's School of Nursing. She has lived and worked across the United States in a variety of academic and clinical settings. Dr. Babington has been the recipient of several honors and distinctions, including the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellowship, a Fulbright Scholarship and multiple awards for excellence in teaching and the use of technology, and is widely respected and called upon for her expertise as a nursing educator and academic leader. Dr. Babington holds a B.S.N. from the University of Michigan and a M.N. and PhD from the University of Washington.

Christine Siegel, PhD, current Vice Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, will take on the role of Interim Provost beginning January 1 ^st . Dr. Siegel joined the ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� faculty in 2005 as an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions. Since her tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2008, Dr. Siegel has assumed increasing administrative responsibilities at the University, serving as GSEAP’s Associate Dean and University Consultant for Assessment.

Mary Frances Malone, PhD, will remain in the Provost’s office in the role of Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. During this period of transition, Dr. Malone will take on oversight of the Academic and Career Development Center, while she continues to work with the Center for Faith and Public Life, the Center for Catholic Studies, University Museums and Sponsored Programs and serve as the University’s liaison to NEASC.

During the transition, Dr. Sigel and Dr. Malone will be aided by Don Gibson, PhD, and Carol Ann Davis who will join the academic affairs leadership team as Special Assistants to the Provost while also retaining their current positions.

������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� has recently completed a new strategic plan to guide the institution into the coming years. The largest capital campaign in its history, Fairfield Rising is approaching its conclusion and is expected to meet its $160 million target. The first phase of a new University master plan is well underway, and includes new facilities for nursing, health sciences and STEM programs, classroom and technological upgrades, state-of-the-art sports and recreational facilities, a new residence hall and an expanded student center. Fairfield has seen an increase in applicants in recent years and welcomed its largest incoming class in school history this fall.

Fairfield will ensure that its Jesuit and Catholic identity will remain at the core of its mission and vision for the future as it undergoes this important presidential transition process. For more information on ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� or the presidential search process, please visit fairfield.edu/presidential-search .