Marcia McDonald has been named the new provost of Belmont University, effective immediately. McDonald, who has been a Belmont faculty member for 29 years, was named interim provost this summer.

In her new role, McDonald will be the university’s chief academic officer and report to President Bob Fisher. In turn, she will oversee the deans of eight colleges as well as associate provosts for enrollment services and student affairs and all academic support units.

Fisher said McDonald “record of campus leadership and her long-term commitment to Belmont’s mission and vision give her a unique understanding of what makes this university so special.”

McDonald came to Belmont in 1980 and has chaired the department of literature and language for four years as well as directed the graduate and undergraduate English programs. She directed the Teaching Center from 1997 to 2000 and was appointed associate provost in 2002.