Leads Academic Affairs to Expand Access and Student Success
Oakland Community College (OCC) has appointed Dr. Jolene Chapman as Provost where
she will continue to lead college-wide efforts to expand access and support student
success. She has served as OCC’s Interim Provost since July 2025.
Selected following a national search, Dr. Chapman was recognized for her commitment
to students and the community college mission, and for her collaboration, transparent
and accountable leadership.
“Jolene’s personal and professional journey reflects the transformative power of community
colleges,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr. “As a community college and first-generation
college student, she understands the challenges many of our students face and is deeply
committed to expanding access and fostering student success.”
Provenzano added, “As a former student, student worker, staff member, adjunct, full-time
faculty member and dean, Jolene values individual perspectives and impact. Her collaborative
leadership and track record of innovation and cultural change have strengthened student
access and equity across the college. She is the right leader to guide our academic
strategy forward.”
Prior to serving as Interim Provost, Dr. Chapman was Associate Provost, leading implementation
of strategic academic priorities that support teaching and learning.
“I’m humbled and grateful to be selected as OCC’s Provost. Our students deserve an
exceptional academic experience, and that experience is only possible because of the
talented, committed faculty and staff who show up for them every day,” said Chapman.
“I’m honored to support that work and excited for what we’ll accomplish together.”
Dr. Chapman joined OCC in 2019 as an Academic Dean, responsible for OCC’s high-demand
career education programs in the Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology (EMIT).
Previously, she served as Dean of Career and Technical Education at Jackson College, Jackson, Mich., and held multiple faculty and administrative roles at Terra State Community College, Fremont, Ohio, including Dean of Business, Humanities and Industrial Technologies
and Dean of Business, Communications and Arts.
Dr. Chapman earned an Associate of Applied Science at Terra Technical College; a Bachelor of Business Administration from Tiffin University; a Master of Arts in Education from University of Findlay; and a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University.
About OCC
Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965.
OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student
success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top
transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while
advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally
recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s
America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu