Our Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Paul Koch, announced last year that he would retire at the end of this academic year after faithfully serving in his role since 2014.
Koch, who has been at the University since 1988, has served in various roles, including as a faculty member, professor and department chair in the Psychology Department, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Associate Vice President of Assessment & Research. His service as the Provost & Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs has guided the strategic development of programs and majors during a particularly fast-paced and exciting time for the University.
A Consumate Ambrosian
Our Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Paul Koch, announced last year that he would retire at the end of this academic year after faithfully serving in his role since 2014. The St. Ambrose community is deeply grateful to Paul for his many years of dedicated service and wishes him all the best in his retirement.
Throughout his tenure, Koch has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to St. Ambrose, having been nominated as Professor of the Year more than four times. He has demonstrated a tireless commitment to serving both the students and campus community through compassionate, people-centered, and outcomes-driven leadership.
"We have been blessed to have Paul's dedication and service to the University for more than 30 years. His crucial leadership position has helped spearhead many innovative initiatives and his years at Ambrose have left a lasting impact on the academy and the student experience. He is a consummate Ambrosian, leading a life of faith, service and learning. His exemplary leadership will be greatly missed, but his impact is lasting," said Amy Novak, EdD, President of St. Ambrose.
Koch has been an active member of the Ambrosian community, serving on the Board of the Higher Learning Commission, SAU's institutional accreditor, and was recently asked to extend his Board service for an additional two years beginning July 1, 2023.
He has been incredibly generous in supporting St. Ambrose University's priority capital projects and has made significant donations towards enhancing the accessibility of education for minority students through the Freeman Pollard Minority Scholarship and the unrestricted annual fund. Additionally, he has also contributed towards athletics and campus ministry.
Koch's dedication to service extends beyond campus, having earned his Agile Professional certification in May of 2022, a model of leadership directly related to empowering others to
achieve desired outcomes, and becoming a Scrum Master just two months later. He earned a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt in 2002.
According to his license plate, he goes by the nickname "Papa Bee". That moniker perfectly summarizes what Koch has meant to the campus community. He and his wife, Sherree, plan to enjoy retirement, relishing time with their three children and eight grandchildren.
The St. Ambrose community is deeply grateful to Paul Koch for his many years of dedicated service and wishes him all the best in his retirement.
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