President Dave Kaufman released a statement via email informing members of the community of university Provost Jody Fournier’s “new opportunity.”
Fournier accepted the presidency position at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas.
Baker University is a private, four-year liberal arts institution founded in 1858.
Fournier said, “For over a quarter century, I have had the privilege to serve Capital University’s mission.”
Fournier started as a professor of psychology for the university in 1998. He was named provost and vice president of learning in 2017.
“I am forever grateful for this opportunity,” said Fournier.
Throughout his time at the university, Fournier has received various awards for his commitment and contributions to student-focused academic advising.
Fournier said he hopes to use the experience and knowledge he gained at the university to join another committed community dedicated to transformational work.
“I am most excited about continuing the good work of removing barriers to student learning and success at Baker University,” said Fournier. “I have come to appreciate the unique role a presidency can play in shaping the vision and unifying a campus and its many constituencies in the pursuit of student learning and success.”
Kaufman expressed gratitude for Fournier’s 26 years of service to the university.
According to Kaufman, Fournier was instrumental in establishing the university’s long-term partnership with the Gardner Institute, which helped the university pursue the Transfer Student Success Initiative with Columbus State Community College.
“As an established leader on the President’s Cabinet, Jody has made a significant and lasting impact on all aspects of this institution,” wrote Kaufman. “He has shaped our academic mission and received national recognition for student success initiatives.”
Fournier’s influence was felt across the university during his tenure.
Deanna Wagner, university associate provost, said Fournier “epitomizes a transformational leader.”
“Jody has led profound change at our institution and has always kept the student experience at the center of our work,” said Wagner. “I am so excited to see his impact and influence at Baker; they are lucky to have him as their next president.”
Wagner also said she was grateful for the opportunity to serve with Fournier because of his willingness to collaborate and encourage “shared decision-making.”
These attributes, according to Wagner, were paramount to “achieving higher levels of student success” and other positive outcomes.
Fournier is proud of the work he and others have done for the university as it has been “rewarding.”
This work included implementing action items to improve first-to-second year retention rates and fall-to-spring retention rates.
He said, “I am also proud of the work we did to start new community-relevant programs at Capital, with many more in development, that meet student and employer demand.”
Fournier credits the students, faculty and staff for making the university a desired place to be and a place that will be missed.
“I often say the people are what makes me excited to come to work each day, and it is true,” said Fournier. “I have never met such a dedicated and devoted group of individuals.”
Kaufman wrote in his statement, “We have begun the process of identifying an interim provost and will keep the campus community informed.” The university has also begun its nation-wide search for a new university president. Kaufman announced his retirement in Jan. 2025.
