Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Florida Atlantic University. In this position, Dawson-Scully will lead the Division of Academic Affairs, which oversees 10 colleges and more than 170 degree programs across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels for over 32,000 students.
Florida Atlantic President Adam Hasner stated, “I am excited to welcome Ken back to Florida Atlantic. When I became president, I committed to conducting a national search for a provost who combined strong academic credentials with proven leadership in higher education, a deep understanding of the importance of supporting research within an R1 institution, experience in financial management and data driven decision-making, and who shared my vision for the university’s future. After looking nationwide, we discovered that the most qualified candidate was right here at home. I look forward to having Ken work as my partner as we accelerate our university’s ascent and continue driving toward even greater achievements.
“I appreciate Dean Valery Forbes’ leadership and the work of the search committee, who brought thoroughness and insight to this process. Their efforts ensured that the university’s best interests were prioritized throughout the search and that we identified the most qualified leader to serve as our provost.”
Dawson-Scully is currently associate provost and senior vice president for research at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), where he leads research strategy, infrastructure development, compliance measures, technology transfer initiatives, clinical research operations, and faculty-student support. Under his direction since 2021—with oversight of over $185 million in active research funding—NSU advanced from R2 status to “R1: Very High Research Activity” according to Carnegie Classification.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Florida Atlantic in this role at such an important moment for the university,” said Dawson-Scully. “As I have said throughout this process, serving as provost at Florida Atlantic is my dream job. I look forward to partnering with President Hasner, our deans, and our faculty to strengthen teaching, elevate academic excellence and the learning experience, continue our intense focus on student success, and expand the already strong ties between our programs and the region’s workforce, creating even more opportunities for our extraordinary students.”
Previously at Florida Atlantic from 2008-2021, Dawson-Scully held several leadership roles including associate vice president for strategic initiatives where he led efforts that significantly increased National Merit Scholar enrollment. He also served as head of institutional partnerships at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience; director of FAU Max Planck Honors Program; associate dean of graduate studies in the College of Science; and associate director of FAU Brain Institute.
Kim Dunn, Ph.D., member of the Florida Board of Governors and former chair of FAU’s Faculty Senate who participated in the search committee remarked: “President Hasner’s firm commitment to a comprehensive national search ensured that we evaluated top academic talent from across the country. From that distinguished pool Ken Dawson-Scully emerged as a leader who could honor FAU’s past while boldly shaping its future. Ken’s experience innovative vision and deep understanding of FAU uniquely position him to guide the university into its next chapter of excellence.”
Dawson-Scully is recognized as a Fellow by both the National Academy of Inventors and Royal Entomological Society. His published work covers translational neuroscience neuroprotective compounds stress physiology as well as commercialization aspects related to academic research. He received his doctorate in physiology from University of Toronto’s College of Medicine.
Valery Forbes dean of Charles E. Schmidt College of Science chaired FAU’s provost search committee: “I am delighted that we were able to attract a candidate of such a high caliber as Ken and excited to work with him moving forward,” Forbes said.“I am grateful to everyone who contributed to the search nominated qualified applicantsand engaged with candidates who came to campus.I want especially thank membersofthesearchcommitteefor their commitmentand collaboration duringthis entire process.”
Dawson-Scully will take up his new role on January 1 2026 succeeding Russ Ivy Ph.D., interim provost since earlier this year.As interimprovost,Ivy helped FAU earn recognitionas a Top100 PublicUniversityby U.S.News&WorldReportandin Februaryhelped securethe“R1:VeryHighResearchActivity”CarnegieClassification.Ivyhasalso overseentheCenterforGlobalEngagementandwasrecentlyhonoredwiththeAssociationofPublicandLand-grantUniversities’MichaelP.MaloneInternationalLeadershipAwardin2025.
President Hasner added,“I am gratefultoRussforhisleadershipasinterimprovostandforguidingtheuniversity’sAcademicAffairsdivisionthroughaperiodofsignificanttransitionandreform.Dr.Ivyhasplayedanimportantroleinmovingtheuniversityforward,andIappreciatehiscontinuedworkfortheuniversityintheseeffortsintheyearsahead.”
