Joseph E. Zimmer, Ph.D., has been named interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at St. Bonaventure University, President Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., announced today. 

Zimmer, who has been dean of St. Bonaventure’s School of Education since April 2012, will replace Dr. Michael Fischer, who announced earlier this year his desire to return to teaching in the School of Business. A search to fill the position on a permanent basis will be launched soon.

“To have someone of Joe Zimmer’s caliber willing to take on this critical role is a blessing,” said Sr. Margaret. “He’s been an exemplary leader for our School of Education and our accreditation process. I expect nothing less from him as provost.”

Zimmer was named interim dean of the School of Education in August 2011 when Peggy Yehl Burke, Ed.D., was promoted to associate provost and dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Zimmer has taught in the School of Education for 23 years.

“I appreciate Sr. Margaret’s faith in me to take on this new role,” Zimmer said. “It is a great honor and privilege to lead this community of teachers and scholars and I look forward to the challenge.” 

Appointed as assistant professor in 1992, Zimmer also served as assistant education dean from 2001-2003. He served as director of the M.S.Ed. literacy programs from 1998-2011, director of the university’s Reading Center from 1997-2012, and was National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) coordinator from 2003-2011. Zimmer also was chair of the Faculty Senate from 2000-2005. 

Since 2008, Zimmer has served in the university-wide role as accreditation liaison officer for Middle States Regional Accreditation. The most recent Middle States accreditation process concluded with very positive affirmation of the university’s programs and activities. 

Zimmer is a co-author of a $3 million grant to promote early reading programs in the Olean City School District. He has served on the editorial boards of the international journal The Reading Teacher, and the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy. He is the author of numerous publications in the field of reading. 

Prior to his service at St. Bonaventure, he was an assistant professor of English at Grand Valley State University and the reading/writing coordinator of the Thomas Edwards Learning Center at the University at Buffalo. 

Zimmer earned his bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in teacher education, master of education degree in English education, and doctorate in reading education from the State University of New York at Buffalo. 

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things.  St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #3 best college value in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition. Our students are becoming extraordinary.