Catherine Provencher new chancellor of University System of NH

A self-described "finance person," Catherine Provencher brings both financial acumen and a love of education to her new role as chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire. Provencher previously served as vice chancellor of financial affairs and treasurer of the University System for the past 10 years. She also served as state treasurer for seven years. She now takes the reins of a system that includes the University of New Hampshire, UNH School of Law, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College. Supervising a staff of about 90, she becomes the point person for interactions with the University System's board of trustees, government officials, businesses, and nonprofit leaders. At a time when the value of a college education is under fire, "One of my priorities is to really intentionally educate the citizenry on the remarkable work and benefit that the University System brings to our quality of life, our environment, our education system, our businesses," she says. Provencher says she also wants to ensure "the long-term financial sustainability of public higher education in our state" by working closely with college presidents and with the Community College System of New Hampshire. That goal also entails "being really thoughtful and mindful about the paths we choose to take because of resource constraints," Provencher says. "One of my challenges is to balance fiscal conservatism with bold action when needed." She notes that declining enrollments aren't just a problem for colleges and universities. "Think about the workforce in our state, our economy, our businesses, our nonprofits," she says. "If there aren't people to take the jobs, how can our economy be sustained?" With 58 percent of those who graduate from New Hampshire colleges and universities leaving the state after graduation, more partnerships with businesses and nonprofits—particularly those that offer internships—are also needed to keep grads in-state, Provencher says.