Find academic excellence in an innovative and emboldened environment.
At UP we uphold the highest teaching and learning standards in order to provide support to our faculty and students.
Alongside a passion for education, the UP community fosters personal development, so students gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their role in the world. Through this they find their path to not only success but fulfillment, so they can both make a living and truly live.
The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer of the University of Providence.
They are responsible to the University President for all operations of the University related to instructional programs, educational policy, academic planning, academic resources, accreditation and faculty personnel actions.
In addition, the Provost is responsible for academic support units including the Registrar, Academic Success Center, Library, Institutional Research, Institutional Effectiveness, Distance Learning, the Lumen de Lumine Core Curriculum, and Graduate Studies. The Provost serves as an advocate for the entire Division of Academic Affairs’ staff, faculty, and students.
Meet the Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Barbara Aranda-Naranjo
Dr. Aranda-Naranjo brings more than three decades of senior leadership experience spanning higher education, federal service, and community-based health systems. A nationally and internationally recognized leader in nursing and public health, she has a demonstrated record of advancing academic quality, strengthening mission-centered institutions, and aligning academic portfolios with workforce and community needs.
Her appointment reflects the University’s continued commitment to disciplined academic leadership and strategic execution during a period of focused institutional alignment. As the University advances the priorities outlined in the Providence 100 strategic framework, Dr. Aranda-Naranjo will play a central role in ensuring academic excellence, operational coherence, and mission fidelity.
“It is an honor to serve as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Providence,” said Dr. Aranda-Naranjo. “The University’s Catholic identity and the legacy of the Sisters of Providence provide a clear foundation for the future. I look forward to working collaboratively with the President, faculty, and campus community to strengthen academic programs, support students, and advance a shared vision grounded in service and impact.”
The University of Providence is confident that her leadership will provide stability, strategic clarity, and continued progress toward the institution’s long-term vision.
Explore Programs
University of Providence offers a variety of majors, minors, certificate programs and concentrations both on-campus or online that create an education experience designed to help students discover their calling and obtain their professional goals.
Core Curriculum
University of Providence students complement their majors with coursework in our Lumen de Lumine (Light from Light) core curriculum. As a Catholic liberal arts institution, we immerse students in the common experience of the humanities, mathematics, the fine arts, and the social and physical sciences.
Library Services
Information at your fingertips! Search our resources and databases to find the materials you are looking for or contact one of our staff members for further assistance.
Academic Calendar
Start planning for your future! Take a look at the upcoming semesters so you can start taking the next steps towards a career you will love.
Registrar’s Office
The Registrar’s Office offers assistance with registration, transfer credit, enrollment verifications, transcript requests and more. Here you will find important deadlines concerning registration, graduation, and more.
Student Academic Support
The University of Providence provides a wide array of activities and support services for residential and non-residential students. Student Services at the University of Providence are designed to meet the many needs of students during their academic career.
