Feature Story
Samuel Hirt Named Interim Provost, Additional Changes Announced Within Provost’s Office
President Bonnie H. Cordon has named Associate Provost Samuel Hirt as Southern Virginia University’s interim provost. Hirt succeeds Dr. James Lambert, who served as the chief academic officer and provost since 2021. Several leadership changes within the Office of the Provost have also been announced.
“Samuel Hirt cares deeply about this university—its mission, its faculty, and especially its students,” said President Cordon. “Having served under two provosts during his time here, he brings hands-on experience and insight during this transition, and I am grateful for his willingness to step into this important role.”
Hirt joined the SVU faculty in 2016 as an assistant professor of biology and has served as an associate provost since 2018. In addition to his teaching and administrative duties, Hirt has played a key role in revising the university’s academic honesty and eligibility policies, coordinating the tutoring and TA programs, and expanding faculty-led travel study opportunities.
With Hirt’s appointment, President Cordon has also announced additional changes for several other members of the Provost’s Office.
Associate Professor of English Sarah Maitland, who has served as an associate provost since 2022, will continue in her role with expanded responsibilities. She will lead accreditation efforts—including preparation for an upcoming site visit from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)—while also overseeing two of the university’s four academic divisions.
Joining Maitland as an associate provost is Associate Professor of Business Todd Brotherson, who has served the university in numerous roles since 1998. Brotherson will focus on strengthening connections between academic programs and the Launch Center, including graduate preparation, internships, and partnerships, while overseeing the remaining academic divisions. He and Maitland will also continue teaching in their respective programs.
“Todd has been here since the founding of Southern Virginia, and he and Sarah have been active participants in helping the university grow and improve,” said Hirt. “We have very experienced people in these positions, and I have the utmost confidence in Sarah and Todd. They are hard working people that love the university, and I’m thrilled to have them here with me.”
In addition, Jamie Chandler has been promoted from assistant to the provost to assistant provost. In this new role, Chandler will take on increased administrative responsibilities, including managing the provost’s office budget and operations.
“Jamie has been a key part of our office’s organization and function for over a year,” said Hirt. “Her promotion reflects the excellent work she’s already been doing and will continue to do. She brings a great deal of structure and clarity to our processes—something especially valuable during this interim period.”
Southern Virginia University has begun a national search for its next provost, with Professor of Philosophy Jan-Erik Jones serving as the chair of the search committee.