The University of Minnesota announced Tuesday that Gretchen Ritter would be named the next executive vice president and provost effective July 31, pending the Board of Regents’ approval. 

Ritter will take the place of Rachel Croson, who has supported the Office of the President in her role as provost for over five years.

Ritter currently acts as Syracuse University’s Vice President for Civic Engagement and Education, and previously served as Syracuse’s provost, vice chancellor and chief academic officer. Ritter’s nomination must still be authorized and approved by the University’s Board of Regents in their upcoming June session.

Croson announced in December of 2024 that she planned to step down from her role in summer of 2025. 

In a systemwide email, President Rebecca Cunningham announced the decision. According to Cunningham, Ritter will be responsible for faculty tenure decisions, research funding and the planning of academic programs.

“She brings an impressive set of credentials that combine a strong academic and research background with a history of administrative leadership,” Cunningham said in the email.