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Meet Endicott’s Provost

“Becoming part of this community and helping students succeed is what I care most about. I have ties to New England and feel connected to Endicott’s foundation as a college for women; I’m impressed by the dramatic and positive changes here since, and am fully invested in contributing to the innovation and growth momentum that helps provide the best education for both undergraduate and graduate students. In more ways than one, I feel like I am coming home.”

Beth M. Schwartz, Ph.D.

Provost & Professor of Psychology, Endicott College

Beth M. Schwartz, Ph.D.

Tenure as Provost & Professor of Psychology Began June 15, 2020

As the new Provost of Endicott College, Dr. Schwartz is charged with stepping into the institution’s lead academic position to help shape a progressive direction for its future. She is committed to using her extensive background in higher education and psychology to bring industry-leading change consistent with Endicott’s mission.

Most recently Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Professor of Psychology at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, Dr. Schwartz has a reputation for innovation and seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing academic world.

“Given the current landscape of higher education, it is essential for those in leadership roles at colleges and universities to consider innovative educational opportunities that go beyond the traditional offerings,” says Dr. Schwartz, who at Heidelberg began the revision process now underway for a new general education program focused on integrated studies and based on a series of core courses with scaffolded learning outcomes.

“At Endicott there is the important balance of both the liberal arts and pre-professional programs, with a residential focus, where curricular experiences are blended with co-curricular opportunities,” says Dr. Schwartz. “In addition, it is wonderful to see an emphasis on accessibility and affordability, attention to the ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ and innovation, a continued emphasis on an inclusive environment, a commitment to connecting the evolving student market with the College’s mission, and a focus on potential growth through both undergraduate and graduate programs.”

Dr. Schwartz has pledged to work with Endicott’s Vice President of Admission and Interim Assistant Vice President of Human Resources to develop greater diversity among the faculty and student body.

“I am a strong advocate for the compatibility of academic excellence and diversity. For students and faculty, we must develop a diverse pool of applicants, eliminate inherent biases, and fairly evaluate candidates. Once on-board, we must create a welcoming environment for all new members of the community,” says Dr. Schwartz.

More specifically, she said, “To illustrate an inclusive and diverse environment, an institution must communicate how that priority is achieved on campus through both internal and external materials, speakers on campus, celebrations and activities and initiatives that increase awareness of diversity and inclusion, workshops designed to increase cultural competencies and inclusion skills, and of course through the academic program. Upon arriving at Endicott for my first visit, I was pleased to see a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as a commitment to accessibility and affordability.”

Dr. Schwartz holds a Ph.D. in experimental-cognitive psychology, an M.A. in psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a B.A. in psychology from Colby College. Prior to joining Heidelberg University in 2015 as Chief Academic Officer, she held several positions during a long tenure at Randolph College (founded as Randolph-Macon Woman’s College) in Lynchburg, Virginia. There Dr. Schwartz started her career in 1991 as Assistant Professor of Psychology, then served as Professor of Psychology, as well as Assistant Dean of the college from 2009 until 2015, preceded by positions as Chair of the Department of Psychology, and Faculty Development Director.

During her career, Dr. Schwartz has received numerous grants, honors, and awards, including an award for Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring from the American Psychology-Law Society, nominee for U.S. Professor of the Year, and a Distinguished Faculty Achievement Certificate from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. While at Randolph College, Dr. Schwartz earned the Katherine Graves Davidson Excellence in Scholarship Award and the Gillie A. Larew Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Her scholarship focuses on teaching and learning, with numerous published works during her career, including 10 books, 13 book chapters, 14 peer-reviewed journal articles, and more than 50 discipline-specific and higher education presentations.

Dr. Schwartz is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, with membership in the Society for the Teaching of Psychology and the American Psychology-Law Society, as well as the Association for Psychological Science. Dr. Schwartz continues to serve as an ad-hoc reviewer for many journals published in her field.

Her community service and volunteerism with boards and committees includes the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce in Tiffin, Ohio, HumanKind in Lynchburg, Virginia, and E. C. Glass Theatre, also in Lynchburg.

Dr. Schwartz grew up in Merrick, N.Y., and then Framingham, Mass. She now lives with her husband, Robert “Doc” Livingston, and has two daughters, Lauren and Meagan, both currently studying in doctoral programs. When not spending time with family, she enjoys music, gardening, and theater.