Jim Denniston appointed vice president for academic affairs and provost of Wright State University

Jim Denniston was appointed vice president for academic affairs and provost of Wright State.

Jim Denniston, Ph.D., has been appointed permanent vice president for academic affairs and provost of Wright State University, effective immediately, President Sue Edwards, Ph.D., announced Thursday.

Since stepping into the role of acting provost on Jan. 1, Edwards said, Denniston has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from his staff, the Faculty Senate and Wright State constituents.

“Dr. Denniston brings a set of shared values based on people, learning, relationships, sustainability and stewardship to the Office of Provost,” Edwards said. “His experience developing transformational educational experiences and forging community partnerships will help our university further develop and enhance innovative academic programs that provide students with expanded educational and career opportunities.”

Denniston said he is deeply honored to be named vice president of academic affairs and provost at Wright State University.

“Wright State’s mission to transform the lives of students and serve our region resonates with my passion for expanding educational opportunities and fostering academic excellence,” he said.

Denniston joined Wright State in 2022 as the founding dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Services. Under his leadership, the college:

• Developed its first comprehensive strategic plan
• Restructured into six schools to enhance student services and outcomes
• Successfully launched the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and Technology program

He has also demonstrated his commitment to student mental health and well-being as co-lead of Wright State’s Jed Campus initiative.

He helps strengthen important community relationships through his current service on the Dayton Regional STEM School board and his forthcoming appointment to Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Board of Trustees.

Before joining Wright State, Denniston was a professor of psychology at Appalachian State University, where he spent over a decade in leadership roles, including serving as chair and assistant chair of the Department of Psychology and chair of the Council of Chairs.

He played a pivotal role in establishing Appalachian State’s second doctoral program, a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, and led the transformation of the undergraduate psychology curriculum.

As an American Council on Education Fellow in 2018–2019, he collaborated with senior leadership at Wake Forest University to enhance academic programs and institutional strategy. As part of his fellowship, he led the development of Appalachian State’s online Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology program.

He has served as a commissioner on the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation, ensuring the quality and integrity of health service psychology programs nationwide.

An accomplished researcher, he has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in associative learning and has mentored dozens of undergraduate researchers throughout his career.

Denniston received his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, his master’s degree in experimental psychology from Bucknell University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University.

As Denniston looks ahead to his new role, he remains focused on advancing Wright State’s mission and goals and fostering a supportive academic environment.

“I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated faculty, staff and students to advance innovative programs, strengthen our community partnerships and ensure every student has access to a high-quality, affordable educational experience,” Denniston said.