INDIANAPOLIS—Marian University (marian.edu) has selected Alan J. Silva, Ph.D., to serve as its new executive vice president and provost. Dr. Silva comes to Marian University from St. Catherine University (formerly The College of St. Catherine) in St. Paul, Minn., where he most recently served as executive vice president and provost.

In his new role, Dr. Silva will serve as the university’s chief academic officer and chief operating officer, providing leadership and budgetary oversight for all academic deans and faculty, student success, enrollment, athletics, the university health sciences area, the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine and all professional schools.

“Dr. Silva is a great fit for Marian University and this position,” President Daniel J. Elsener said.  “He is an accomplished and innovative academic leader with a strong commitment to Catholic higher education. Dr. Silva will make the recruitment, development and professional advancement of our growing faculty a top priority. Dr. Silva will encourage innovative approaches to thinking and delivering higher education to our students.”

Dr. Silva earned his Ph.D. in English from University of California, Davis, where he also earned his master’s degree. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from California State University, Fresno.

Prior to arriving at St. Catherine University in 2006, Dr. Silva served at Hamline University, James Madison University and University of California, Davis, in a variety of roles including associate dean for the College of Liberal Arts, associate professor of English, lecturer, and instructor.

About Marian University Indianapolis

Marian University (marian.edu), founded in Indianapolis in 1937, is the only Catholic liberal arts university in central Indiana. It serves 3,000 students through dedication to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. Marian University is one of Indiana’s 31 independent colleges and one of 244 Catholic colleges and universities nationwide. Since 2001, Marian University has been led by President Daniel J. Elsener, whose vision and leadership are transforming the university. In 2013, Marian University opened the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences, home to its College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marian University has amassed 40 national championships in cycling, captured the NAIA Football National Championship in 2012 and 2015, and won the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2016 and 2017.