Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM, has been named Alvernia University’s new provost and chief academic officer.

Wells, who most recently served as associate provost, will oversee the university’s academic enterprise, career development, educational technology, registrar, library and several other important administrative areas.

She replaces Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D., ATC/LAT, who will become the new president of Notre Dame de Namur University in California.

An attorney and faculty member for more than 20 years, Wells has served the university in a variety of leadership roles, including president of the faculty council, chair of the business department and interim provost.

Caroline Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., will assume Wells’ role as associate provost.