As of Oct. 14, 2026, Springfield College welcomed a new Provost to Alden Street. Dr. Edward O’Connor started his official tenure this month and brings his experience in academic leadership, health sciences, interdisciplinary education, and student success to campus.
O’Connor served as provost and executive vice president for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs at Kansas City University (KCU) from April 2017 to Dec. 2025. At KCU, he provided leadership and direction for academic, research and student affairs operations. O’Connor even served as Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Center for Practical Bioethics, a nonprofit organization that addresses ethical issues in health and healthcare and raises awareness of them.
During his tenure at Creighton University, where he served before KCU, O’Connor served as provost and chief academic officer and as a professor in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Medicine. O’Connor was at Creighton from July 2013 until June 2016.
Prior to his time at Creighton, Dr. O’Connor spent 20 years at Quinnipiac University, where he was the Dean in the School of Health Sciences from July 2005 until June 2013, served as the Associate Dean from July 1998 until July 2005 and, looking further back, O’Connor volunteered with the men’s cross country team for 16 years.
O’Connor’s college years began at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he studied biology. He then pursued his education at the University at Albany, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and at Albany Medical College, where he earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Toxicology.
O’Connor even has a background at Ivy League institutions, including the Yale School of Medicine, the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and the Yale School of Management. These experiences earned O’Connor post-doctoral training, an MDP, Executive Education in Higher Ed, an MBA and an MBA in Healthcare Leadership.
In a statement to the Springfield College Community, Dr. Mary Beth Cooper emphasized Dr. O’Connor’s past experiences that align with the institution’s mission statement.
“Earlier in his career at Quinnipiac University, he served as a professor, an academic leader, and the head coach of the men’s cross country team. That combination illustrates his understanding that learning does not happen only in a classroom or laboratory. It happens through relationships, mentorship, challenge, and the experiences that help us become more fully who we are. That whole-person perspective feels very much at home at Springfield College,” says Dr. Cooper.
Dr. Cooper also states that other things stood out to her during their conversations, such as how Dr. O’Connor thinks about education and how he talks about students.
The career Dr. O’Connor has led has shaped his understanding that the work of a college is about people, and it has successfully brought together academic leadership, health sciences, research, interdisciplinary education, and student success. During his time at other institutions, he has worked to build connections and reshape how well students are prepared for the world they will enter.
This decision is believed to lead Springfield College to more opportunities across academic programs and to broaden the student experience on Alden Street. Dr. O’Connor’s experience as provost has opened the door to turn opportunity into action.
With his background in academics, research and leadership, Dr. O’Connor brings a perspective that aligns with Springfield College’s commitment to the spirit, mind and body. Taking on this role, the community on Alden Street looks forward to the impact his leadership will have on students, faculty and staff.