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Paul Haught to Become University of Dayton Interim Provost

The current vice provost will step into the role this November as the university prepares for a presidential transition.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in People

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Paul Haught will serve as the University of Dayton's interim provost beginning this November, leading the institution during a planned presidential transition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Paul Haught is set to become the interim provost of the University of Dayton in November 2026. This leadership change occurs as current provost Darlene Weaver prepares to assume the role of university president on July 1, 2027.

Why it matters

The transition follows the upcoming retirement of President Eric Spina and marks a significant shift in the university's executive leadership. Haught's move will coincide with a national search for a permanent provost to take office by July 2027.

The university will conduct a national search to fill the permanent provost role, with the successful candidate expected to start on July 1, 2027. Darlene Weaver will concurrently hold the title of executive vice president for academic affairs.

The players

Paul Haught

He is the current vice provost of the University of Dayton and serves on the Ohio Department of Higher Education chancellor's council for graduate schools.

Darlene Weaver

She is the current provost at the University of Dayton and is set to become the institution's next president.

Eric Spina

He is the retiring president of the University of Dayton.

The details

Paul Haught, who joined the University of Dayton in January 2024, currently serves as vice provost. He is a member of the Ohio Department of Higher Education chancellor's council for graduate schools and will lead the academic division during the search for his permanent successor.

Timeline

  1. January 2024: Paul Haught joined the University of Dayton.

  2. November 2026: Paul Haught becomes interim provost.

  3. July 1, 2027: Darlene Weaver takes office as president.

  4. July 1, 2027: The university expects a new provost to begin their term.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition aligns with standard executive succession planning at major private research institutions. It ensures operational stability for the University of Dayton while it competes for top-tier administrative talent in the regional higher education market.

Students and faculty can anticipate continuity in academic policy and institutional governance throughout the transition periods. The search process will determine the long-term academic leadership for the university starting in the summer of 2027.

The takeaway

The university is utilizing an interim appointment to bridge the leadership gap during its upcoming presidential search. This strategy allows the administration to maintain focus on its academic priorities while securing new permanent executive talent.

What happens next

The university will initiate a national search for a permanent provost, with the new hire expected to begin their term on July 1, 2027.

Further reading

For more information on campus leadership, visit the Dayton People section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Dayton Daily News.

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