We are pleased to announce that the University of Minnesota has appointed Dr. Elisia Cohen as its new Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Education and Dean of the Graduate School, signaling a continued emphasis on expanding opportunity and impact across its graduate and post-baccalaureate programs. Her appointment takes effect June 15, 2026, pending Board of Regents approval by the Board of Regents.
Cohen, who currently serves as director of the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication in the University’s College of Liberal Arts, has built her career at the intersection of research, public engagement and student mentorship. Her work has centered on how communication strategies can improve health outcomes — particularly in communities that have historically faced barriers to care.
“Stepping into this role at such a pivotal time is an honor,” said Cohen. “I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff and students on every campus to elevate the prestige and impact of our programs, support our passionate scholars and academic leaders, and enrich meaningful discoveries that serve communities across Minnesota, our country and our world.”
Before joining the University of Minnesota, Cohen held the Gifford Blyton Endowed Professorship at the University of Kentucky, where she led departmental initiatives and helped grow a collaborative research enterprise focused on health communication.
In her new role, Cohen will guide strategy for graduate and professional education across the University’s five campuses, with a focus on program excellence, student support, and strengthening connections across disciplines. She will also provide leadership for the University’s postdoctoral community, advancing efforts to support postdoctoral scholars’ professional development and research success. Cohen will work closely with collegiate leadership and faculty to advance initiatives that enhance both the academic experience and the broader impact of graduate education.
"I am excited to welcome Dr. Cohen to our leadership team and confident that her forward-looking approach will position us to meet the opportunities and challenges in our rapidly evolving higher education landscape with clarity, ambition and purpose," said Executive Vice President and Provost Gretchen Ritter. "Her valuable experience as a scholar, mentor and leader will be instrumental in engaging our deeply invested academic community; fostering the success of graduate, professional and postdoctoral scholars; and championing our programs across the University and beyond."
Cohen succeeds Scott Lanyon, who has served as vice provost and dean of graduate education since 2016. During his tenure, Lanyon catalyzed cultural shifts that helped strengthen the University’s graduate programs and advance transformative initiatives focused on student support, diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“It has been a privilege to serve in this role and to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and students,” Lanyon said. “Dr. Cohen brings both vision and an innovative spirit that will serve the Graduate School well, and I am eager to see her build on this strong foundation in meaningful and exciting ways.”
The appointment reflects the University’s broader commitment to ensuring that graduate education remains central to its mission as a leading research institution.
Welcome, Elisia!