CMU selects Vice President for CMU Innovation and Online

Central Michigan University Provost Paula Lancaster today announced the appointment of Kaleb Patrick as the next vice president for CMU Innovation and Online, effective December 15, 2025. Patrick has served as the interim vice president for the unit since January 2024, and he served as associate vice president for two years prior to taking on the primary leadership role. 

During his tenure as interim vice president, Patrick led CMU Innovation and Online to its first year-over-year enrollment increases in almost a decade. The enrollment gains included growth in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment, as well as increases in student retention. He also led efforts to secure external grant funding to develop new online degree programs and to develop new partnerships with community colleges and high schools for dual-enrollment programs. In 2025, Patrick began working with CMU President Neil MacKinnon on a new strategic plan for CMU Innovation and Online and has been leading the implementation of new goals for the unit.

“Dr. Patrick has accomplished a great deal in his role as interim vice-president, leading IO to steady enrollment growth, expanding partnerships, and working closely with his teams and a consultant to develop a forward-looking plan for IO,” Lancaster said. “His desire and commitment to seeing this plan through and growing our online footprint, as well as his passion for CMU, make him the right choice to lead IO into the future.” 

Prior to his work with CMU Innovation and Online, Patrick served as director of the Master of Science in Administration department and program. He also held roles as academic program director in the Master of Arts in Education and as a faculty member in Educational Leadership, and previously worked as director of graduate programs for the former Global Campus. Among his first roles at CMU, Patrick worked as an assistant and associate director of marketing for online, international and non-credit programs.  In total, Patrick has served the university for more than 20 years. 

Patrick is a three-time degree earner at CMU, holding a master’s degree in humanities, an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Educational Technology, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University. Patrick has contributed more than three dozen professional presentations, conference presentations, manuscripts and refereed publications to scholarship related to education, from K-12 and charter schools to higher education.

“This is an extraordinary time for CMU. With the leadership of President MacKinnon and Provost Lancaster, I look forward to continuing the collaborative efforts undertaken with our talented deans, faculty, staff, and partners,” Patrick said. “Through the CMU Online Transition Project, we are actively working to elevate the student experience, strengthen our digital ecosystem, create innovative opportunities for learners, and grow enrollments.”

As vice president, Patrick will oversee the CMU Innovation and Online enterprise, including strategic leadership for all off-campus and online program delivery. He will work closely with Provost Lancaster and President MacKinnon to grow and expand program offerings and partnerships, and will collaborate with leaders in the Academic Division, including college deans, program chairs, faculty and more. Patrick will lead a team of over 40 staff in areas including recruitment and enrollment, student success, business and community outreach, and more.