Joann Bangs, Ph.D.

Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Ottawa University

Joann Bangs joined Ottawa University as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in January of 2023. She is currently leading redesign of the academic structure with the goals of increasing efficiency and improving shared governance.

Dr. Bangs earned her Ph.D. in economics from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She served as faculty and earned tenure at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her research interests include the teaching of economics and women’s leadership.  For ten years she co-authored the Minnesota Census of Women in Corporate Leadership. While at St. Catherine University, she moved into administrative ranks, serving as Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies and the Associate Provost for the College for Women. She led the development and implementation of a program prioritization process. In 2018, she became the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Cottey College. She led the process to write the assurance review for the 10-year comprehensive visit by the Higher Learning Commission, led a committee in revising the Faculty Handbook and co-developed a 10-year budget model and plan to improve the financial stability of the college.