Briar Cliff University Announces New Provost, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

Briar Cliff University appoints longtime Professor and Chair of the Business Department, Mark Rossi, J.D., as the new Provost, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.  

Professor Rossi joined Briar Cliff University in 1984 as an Adjunct Professor and has since served the University in many capacities including as a Tenured Professor, Program Director Department Chair of Business Administration, and Faculty Senate Chair. He has also supported the University in many capacities, including the presidential search and several strategic and executive leadership search committees.  

“Mark’s exceptional leadership has been crucial to the success of the departments he has led over the past several years, and he is respected and valued by our students and faculty,” said Interim President Steve Freeman. “I am confident that he will continue to elevate our University’s values and academic mission, enriching our students with a quality education.” 

Prior to joining Briar Cliff University, Mark worked as an attorney at a local Sioux City firm. He holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Creighton University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Illinois State University.  

“I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead this incredible institution in this capacity,” said Mark Rossi, Provost, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “I have had the privilege to serve at Briar Cliff for 40 years and look forward to continuing to support and enhance our academic offerings to best prepare our students for their time beyond The Cliff.”