Culver-Stockton College welcomes new provost, vice president for academic affairs on July 1

CANTON, Mo. — Culver-Stockton College (C-SC) has appointed Michael Seale as its next provost and vice president for academic affairs, effective July 1. Seale currently serves as assistant vice president of academic affairs at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Ky.

“I am particularly interested in Culver’s commitment to the liberal arts,” Seale said in a press release. “My experience as a student, faculty member and administrator at small liberal arts institutions has only strengthened my support for this type of educational environment.”

Seale noted he is especially drawn to the opportunity to work in partnership with C-SC president Lauren Schellenberger to advance the college’s strategic priorities.

“Dr. Seale brings a powerful blend of academic leadership, creative thinking and authentic engagement to Culver-Stockton College,” Schellenberger said. “His experience at institutions that value student-centered learning, paired with his clear passion for collaboration and innovation, make him exceptionally well-equipped to help advance our mission and support our faculty, staff and students. I am thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team.”

Seale explained that his leadership philosophy centers on transparency, collaboration and open communication.

“A provost must navigate a two-way street — supporting the needs of faculty and staff while advancing institutional goals,” he said. “People are more likely to support decisions when they’re part of the process and understand the rationale behind them.”

Seale plans to engage with the Culver-Stockton community among his first priorities.

“I want to listen, learn and understand what makes C-SC a special place. That means spending time with faculty, staff and students to hear their perspectives,” he said. “I’m committed to being an active and visible member of the community, from the classroom to the cafeteria to campus events.”

Seale began his academic career in 1996 after discovering a passion for teaching as a graduate assistant at The College of William and Mary. Although he once envisioned a future in engineering, he quickly found purpose in the classroom and later in leadership.

He began his administrative journey as chair of the physics department at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tenn., and continued through increasingly impactful roles. Originally from Indiana, Seale earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind., and his master’s and doctorate degrees in physics from The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.

Seale has become known for his administrative acumen and his creativity and personal connection to campus life, often showing up to sporting events with spiked hair dyed in school colors.

He and his wife, Cecilia, met while playing competitive volleyball in graduate school. They have been married for 28 years.

“We were incredibly impressed by everyone we met during my interview,” Seale said. “The faculty and staff were authentic and welcoming, and the students were remarkable.

“It’s an exciting moment for the college. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working alongside the entire campus community as we move forward together.”