Point Park names provost, senior vice president of academic affairs

Point Park University has promoted Shari Payne to provost and senior vice president of academic affairs after she served in the role on an interim basis.

She has been serving in the interim role since January, after joining Point Park in 2023 as dean of the new School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

“I am confident that Dr. Payne’s experience, innovative approach and dedication to our university’s mission will serve us well as we continue to grow and evolve,” said Chris W. Brussalis, president of Point Park. “Her commitment to providing students with a foundation for lifelong success aligns perfectly with our institutional values.”

Before coming to Point Park, she led enrollment management efforts at Waynesburg University and Shepherd University and served as dean of Engaged Learning at Robert Morris University. She also served as director of Academic Operations, director of Financial Aid and manager of the Student Support Center at Robert Morris.

Outside of Point Park, Payne is a Class XXXIX graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh and serves on the Peters Township School District Board of School Directors, according to Point Park’s website.

During Payne’s time as dean at Point Park, she led a successful rebuild and expansion of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, the university said, and also took over as dean of the School of Education.

“Dr. Payne’s leadership capabilities were highlighted in her ability to successfully expand both schools through a defined strategic vision and effective execution,” Brussalis said. “In fact, the School of Education became Point Park’s second-largest school under her leadership.”