Transylvania President Brien Lewis is pleased to announce that Andrew McMichael has been selected to serve as the next executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university. McMichael is currently the founding dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Auburn University at Montgomery and previously served as associate dean and assistant dean in the Potter College of Arts & Letters at Western Kentucky University.
“Dr. McMichael brings a deep understanding of academic leadership at every level, along with a long record of strengthening programs, supporting faculty and improving student success,” Lewis said. “His background in leading comprehensive curricular reviews, launching new academic programs and building partnerships will be invaluable as we work together to support our students and faculty.”
As dean at Auburn University at Montgomery, McMichael oversees nine academic units, manages a $10 million budget and leads more than 70 faculty and staff. He has guided the development of new undergraduate and graduate programs, expanded online offerings and implemented student retention initiatives that strengthened academic progress and support.
At Western Kentucky University, McMichael managed budgets, coordinated accreditation, supported faculty development, led recruitment and retention planning and chaired multiple university search committees. His leadership included overseeing interdisciplinary program development, supervising student and faculty support initiatives and guiding collegewide strategic planning.
Transylvania’s executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university is responsible for enriching and expanding academic programs while working with faculty and campus partners to foster an integrative learning environment. The position oversees the university’s academic divisions and provides leadership for curriculum, accreditation, faculty affairs and student academic success.
“I am honored to join Transylvania University and its long tradition of providing a student-centered liberal arts education,” McMichael said. “The university’s commitment to helping students develop meaningful intellectual skills and habits of mind is inspiring. I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students as we build on these strengths together.”
McMichael holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from George Mason University and a Ph.D. in history from Vanderbilt University. He will begin his role at Transylvania in March 2026.