Academic and Curricular Affairs leader announces retirement

It’s been nearly twenty-five years since David Patton, Ph.D., joined Central Michigan University as an assistant professor in the Department of Geography. In that time, he’s worn a number of hats; he’s served as a program director, department chair, senior administrative fellow, interim associate vice president for enrollment and student services, acting associate dean and assistant dean for the College of Science and Engineering, and, most recently, as the senior vice provost for academic and curricular affairs.

And, after years of outstanding work supporting students, faculty, staff and numerous university initiatives, Patton is preparing for retirement.

“I am grateful to have spent the last 25 years of my career at CMU. The students, faculty and staff of CMU are wonderful people — they are hardworking, dedicated, and kind, and I am very proud to have had the opportunity to work alongside them,” Patton said. “It has been a privilege to be part of a community so deeply committed to learning, service and supporting the success of our students.”

Patton said he plans to remain in his role through the end of July, providing time for CMU to wrap up a few important initiatives and to help Provost Paula Lancaster begin the search for his unit’s next leader.

Over the course of his tenure at CMU, Patton has played a key leadership role in several vital university-wide efforts, including serving as co-chair of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and co-chair of the 2025-26 HLC Reaffirmation of Accreditation steering committee. He also oversees a large and diverse team that includes Academic Advising, Curriculum and Instructional Support, the Honors Program, General Education, the National Scholarship Program, and Study Abroad.

“I have tremendously enjoyed the opportunity to work with incredible leaders who are doing important work to support every facet of teaching, learning and service to communities everywhere,” Patton said.

He also watched all three of his sons graduate from CMU – his oldest son has just returned to CMU to earn a second degree- and helped to recruit his sister, cousin and niece to attend as well.

“It was very gratifying to see them cross the stage at commencement,” he said.

Patton said he is especially grateful for the time he spent teaching and working with students in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies – where he received the College of Science and Engineering’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2010.

“Dr. Dave Patton has been an outstanding professor, scholar, and colleague,” Lancaster said. “He is thoughtful, professional, responsive, and always kept students-first. On top of all those wonderful characteristics, he’s also a genuinely kind person. I’m immensely grateful for his support in my transition to the role of provost and for his continued leadership and wish him well in his next adventures with family and friends.”

Lancaster said she would work with Patton on a leadership transition plan and will likely announce the formation of a search committee later this year. Patton’s last day at CMU will be July 31, 2026.