Dr. Kristin Geraty Named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at North Central College

Dr. Kristin Geraty has been appointed North Central College’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. She had served as the College’s interim provost since July after Dr. Abiódún “G-P” Gòkè-Pariolá transitioned out of the role to become North Central’s president. The appointment is historic, as Geraty is the first woman to serve as the College’s chief academic officer.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Dr. Geraty’s skills, experience, steadfast dedication to our students, and genuine commitment to North Central College to serve as provost,” said President Gòkè-Pariolá. “She brings a host of impressive qualities to the role, including a sharp intellect and strategic mindset as a teacher-scholar and administrative leader; a devotion to producing outcomes of the highest standard; broad collaborative experience across multiple areas of campus; deep understanding of key issues in higher education; and valuable networks of colleagues locally, nationally, and internationally.” 

Geraty joined North Central in 2009 as an assistant professor of sociology. Since then, she has served in several increasingly senior roles in academic leadership, including director of the College Scholars Honors Program; associate dean for engaged learning; dean of engaged learning and honors programs; and associate provost.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, Geraty was selected to participate in the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Senior Leadership Academy, a leadership development program that prepares higher education administrators for senior leadership positions. In that same period, she also served as interim dean of North Central’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“I am honored to be named provost and vice president for academic affairs, and I am eager to continue serving an institution that I care so much about,” said Geraty. “I look forward to connecting with colleagues, students, and our community partners as we continue to make North Central College a dynamic place to teach and learn.”

Geraty earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame in 2001. She earned a master’s degree in sociology (2004) and a Ph.D. in sociology (2010) from Indiana University. She and her husband and their three children live in Itasca, Ill.