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Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

Laurie Couch became Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ in July 2023. Previously, she was faculty in the Department of Psychology at Morehead State University for 26 years, where she also served as Associate Provost and liaison to the Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education from 2016-2023. Dr. Couch has a strong record of leading successful student success initiatives, and she brings expertise to the position in curriculum development, program review, faculty affairs, instructional design, academic policy, strategic planning, budgeting, inclusive excellence, and general education.

Dr. Couch earned her doctorate and master’s degree in experimental psychology from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mississippi State University. She has been recognized for her excellent teaching and a strong record of scholarship on the role of personality and cognitive factors in the experience of trust and betrayal in interpersonal relationships. The Kentucky Psychological Foundation honored Dr. Couch with its Outstanding Mentor Award for her involvement of undergraduate students in her program of research.

Dr. Couch is a site visitor for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and she has been a long-time member of the national Council on Undergraduate Research, the American Association of University Women, National Organization for Student Success, Complete College America, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and the American Association of University Administrators. She is a Past President of the Southeastern Psychological Association and led various initiatives for the Midwestern Psychological Association, and the Society Southeastern Social Psychologists; and she served as a Board member and site visitor for the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council.

Academic Affairs

The Office of Academic Affairs (also known as the Provost’s Office) is primarily responsible for the academic functions on campus. Use this home page as your jumping off point for all things academic at SU.

Administration and Staff

• Dr. Laurie Couch - Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs (read Dr. Couch's biography)
• Dr. Melissa Granger - Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
• Dr. Jessica Clark - Associate Provost
• Tara Smith - Director of Academic Affairs Administrative Operations

View our full list of administration, staff and contacts for the various functions that fall under the Office of Academic Affairs.

Offices and Organizations

Several offices and organizations of the University report to the Office of Academic Affairs. From cultural groups to faculty development to international education, check them out: