President Dr. Rick Melson has appointed Dr. Tracy S. Manly as Provost of Southwest
Baptist University. The Provost is the chief academic officer for the University,
a member of the executive cabinet, and oversees administrative support for academic
areas. In addition to serving as Provost, Dr. Manly has also been appointed to the
faculty rank of Professor of Accounting.
“I am exceedingly grateful to our Provost Search Advisory Committee for their valuable input and counsel during the SBU provost search,” said President Melson. “I truly believe we have identified and selected the right person out of a stellar pool of qualified candidates to lead SBU to become nationally recognized for exceptional academic programs as a Christ-centered, caring academic community focused on the integration of faith, service, learning and a biblical worldview.”
Manly comes to SBU with over 20 years of experience in higher education having served in teaching and academic leadership roles at the University of Tulsa, after beginning her career at Louisiana State University.
“SBU has always been a special place for our family,” said Dr. Tracy Manly. “The people here have made a positive impact on students for generations. I'm honored to be joining the team of dedicated and talented faculty and staff at SBU. I look forward to working together to provide SBU students an exceptional experience that prepares them to make meaningful contributions in their careers and communities.”
Dr. Tracy Manly earned a PhD in Business Administration and a Master of Accountancy at the University of Arkansas. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration at Hardin-Simmons University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant. Dr. Manly has received the Outstanding Accounting Educator from the Oklahoma Society of CPAs and the Innovation in Teaching Learning Award from the Oklahoma Higher Education Teaching and Learning Conference. She has been recognized as the University of Tulsa Outstanding Teacher, Lewis Duncan Outstanding Advisor, and recipient of the Mayo Teaching Excellence Award from the Collins College of Business.
“Dr. Manly brings a wealth of teaching and academic administration experience and a deep affinity for SBU where her parents met and married,” said President Melson. “I appreciate Dr. Manly’s Christ-like character, intellectual acumen, drive, and humble disposition as a person who has been described by others as brilliant, tenacious, hardworking, thoughtful, optimistic, loyal, and student-centered. God has been kind in leading us to Dr. Manly and I am eager for her to join the SBU family and partner together to lead SBU to its greatest days ahead.”
Dr. Manly assumes her role as Provost on January 3, 2023. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Tracy Manly.
*Published: 12/15/2022