University of Phoenix makes interim provost permanent

University of Phoenix (Nasdaq: APOL) has made Meredith Curley's interim position as provost permanent, effective immediately.

Curley, who has been serving as UOP's interim provost and previously as the executive dean of UOP's College of Education, will oversee more than 20,000 faculty practitioners with applied experience in the disciplines they teach. She also will be charged with spurring innovation to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers.
"Her focus is to ensure we build an institution prepared to serve the next generation of adult learners through our deep understanding of students' and employers' needs, world-class assessment, innovation and academic excellence," said UOP President Timothy Slottow.
Curley replaces Alan Drimmer, who left his position as provost to become UOP's chief academic officer in 2013.

Curley said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve as provost.
"The university has a rich legacy of delivering career-relevant higher education that changes the lives of working adult students, their families and future generations," she said.
In her 21st year with UOP, Curley currently serves on the Executive Board of the National Association of State Directors of Teachers Education and Certification. With a bachelor's degree in history from University of Arizona, Curley also holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Argosy University, where she focused her research on accreditation and accountability. She also has a master's degree in business administration from UOP.