Lincoln University, PA - May 1, 2025 - Lincoln University is proud to announce two key appointments to its senior leadership team. Dr. Mahpiua Deas has been appointed Provost and Dean of Faculty, and Dr. Kimberly S. Smith will serve as Vice President of Student Success and Dean of the College effective July 1, 2025. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience and deep commitment to student achievement. Their appointments are critical to Lincoln University’s mission to continue to elevate academic excellence and holistic student support.
Dr. Mahpiua Deas
As the new Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Deas will oversee the university’s academic systems to ensure faculty development and student success. Dr. Deas has been a cornerstone of Lincoln University’s academic community for over 15 years. Currently a full professor in the Department of Language and Literature, she directs both the Mellon III Black Freedom Studies Grant and the Horace Mann Bond Honors Program. She also served as Associate Dean of Faculty (2021- 2023) and spent three years as the Upperclass Dean. She has also chaired numerous university conferences, committees, symposiums, and workshops helping shape the university’s academic culture.
Prior to joining Lincoln, Dr. Deas held leadership roles at Penn State University, The College of New Jersey, and Temple University. She earned her doctorate and a master’s degree in English from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree in creative writing from Temple University, and bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a focus in Africana Studies from Earlham College.
Dr. Kimberly S. Smith
As Vice President of Student Success and Dean of the College, Dr. Smith will lead the integration of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs ensuring that students have the support needed to achieve academic and life-long success. With over 25 years in higher education, her work has focused on academic engagement, retention, and student development.
Dr. Smith most recently served at Virginia Tech where she held various leadership positions including Associate Vice Provost for Student Success Initiatives, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Advising Initiatives, and Dean/Director of University Studies and Undergraduate Advising. She also served on numerous academic and student success committees supporting the university. In addition, she served in academic advising roles with Weber State University and Radford University. Dr. Smith earned her doctorate in Educational Policy Studies from Virginia Tech, her master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Radford University, and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Richmond.
