Christopher Cheatham
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Dr. Christopher Cheatham, associate dean of academic services in Western Michigan University's College of Education and Human Development, has been appointed associate provost for budget and personnel in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Effective Sunday, July 1, Cheatham replaces the retiring Dr. James Gilchrist. In his new role in academic affairs, Cheatham will provide budgetary guidance to the provost, supervise budget staff, and collaborate in the development of budget models within academic affairs and with other vice-presidential areas.
"I am delighted Chris will be joining the incredible team in the provost's office," says Dr. Jennifer P. Bott, WMU's incoming provost.
"I was impressed with his background—including his thorough grounding in budget and personnel matters as an associate dean—and with his significant research on budget models and ideas for innovation."
Cheatham, who specializes in exercise science and physiology, joined WMU in 2003 when he was hired as an assistant professor in the Department of Human Performance and Health Education. He moved up the academic ranks to become a full professor in 2014.
In 2011, he took on his first administrative assignment at WMU as chair of human performance and health education. And in 2014, he transitioned to his current leadership post in the education college as associate dean of academic services.
"I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this role in academic affairs as the University transitions to a new budget model," Cheatham says. "I especially look forward to working with faculty and staff and other University personnel as we continue our pursuit of WMU being the school of choice."
Cheatham has three degrees in exercise science—a bachelor's degree from Miami University, a master's degree from Ball State University and a doctorate from Kent State University. He also served as a postdoctoral associate at Yale School of Medicine just before joining WMU.
Learn more about Cheatham and his new position by going online to the Office of the Provost's Administrative Searches website.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.