Tim Laurent. CREDIT MOUNT MERCY
By CBJ News Staff
news@corridorbusiness.com
Tim Laurent, who has served as Mount Mercy University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, has been appointed interim president by the university’s board of trustees, replacing Robert Beatty, who resigned this week after just two months in the role.
Mr. Beatty was named the 10th president of the Cedar Rapids-based university in February, and officially succeeded retired president Laurie Hamen July 1. No reason was given for his resignation.
“We thank Dr. Beatty for his time at Mount Mercy and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Charlie Rohde, Mount Mercy’s board of trustees chairman, in a release. “We also thank Dr. Laurent for stepping in to serve as the interim president. His experience and commitment to higher education will continue to move the university forward.”
A published author and researcher, Mr. Laurent led the implementation of four undergraduate majors, multiple graduate areas of emphasis, the Feld Chair for Innovation, and the Degree in Three and MMU Plus programs at Mount Mercy. As provost, he oversaw faculty and academic operations, including undergraduate and graduate programs, the registrar’s office, library services, the Academic Center for Excellence and institutional research and data. He also has extensive experience with professional and regional accreditation.
“I am honored to continue serving Mount Mercy and our mission of providing a student-focused education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy,” Mr. Laurent said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy in meeting the needs of our time.”
The Board of Trustees will meet to finalize plans for the university’s future leadership team. CBJ
