Office of the University Provost
Provost Fellows
Professional development is one of MTSU’s top priorities, and the Provost’s Office proudly supports the Provost Fellowship Program for faculty and staff in the Division of Academic Affairs. The Provost Faculty Fellows work on various projects in the office to refine their project management and leadership skills. The Provost Staff Fellows support the Staff Leadership Development Institute.
2026-27 Senior Faculty Fellow
Julie Myatt, Ph.D.
Julie Myatt is serving as a Senior Provost Fellow for 2026-27 after being a Provost Fellow in 2025-26. She is a professor of English and has served as director of the Engage (formerly MT Engage) program since 2019. She holds degrees from Tennessee Technological University (B.S. in Secondary Education, M.A. in English) and the University of Louisville (Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition). She teaches English and Public Writing and Rhetoric courses.
2026-27 Faculty Fellows
Sally Ann Cruikshank, Ph.D.
Sally Ann Cruikshank is a professor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, and teaches a variety of journalism courses, including digital media practices, social media on the graduate level, mobile storytelling, and advanced reporting. She received the Ed Kimbrell Excellence in Journalism Teaching Award in 2021.
Rudy Dunlap, Ph.D.
Rudy Dunlap is a professor in the Department of Sport and Hospitality Management and an alumnus of the 2025-2026 Faculty Leadership Development Institute. He holds degrees from Appalachian State University (B.A. in Anthropology, Philosophy) and the University of Georgia (M.S. and Ph.D. in Recreation and Leisure Studies).
Vajira Manathunha, Ph.D.
Vajira Manathunga is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and director of the Actuarial Science Program at Middle Tennessee State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and holds the Associate of the Society of Actuaries designation.
David Nelson, Ph.D.
David Nelson is the chair of the Department of Biology. He earned his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. This was followed by post-doctoral work at Harvard Medical School and the University of Cambridge before joining MTSU in 2013.
Shannon Randol, M.F.A.
Shannon Randol is an associate professor of photography in the Department of Media Arts and is curator of the Baldwin Photographic Gallery. He earned an M.F.A. in Visual Arts from Washington University in St. Louis. His photographic work examines the intersections of people, place, and the American landscape and has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
2026-27 Staff Fellows
Judy Albakry, Ed.D.
Judy Albakry joined the Office of Student Success in June 2026 as director of academic support and retention programs. She earned her B.A. and M.A.E. from Northern Arizona University. Albakry earned her Ed.D. and Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching from MTSU.
Mark Murphy, M.Ed.
Mark Murphy serves in the University College as coordinator of recruitment and corporate outreach in the Adult Degree Completion Program. He is a two-time alumnus of MTSU, holding both a B.S. and an M.Ed.
Christopher Rochelle
Christopher Rochelle is assistant director and employer search agent in the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. Rochelle earned his B.S. degree at MTSU.
Contact Us
Office of the University Provost
110 and 111 Cope Administration Building
(615) 898-2880
provost@mtsu.edu