Culver-Stockton College (C-SC) has appointed Dr. Michael Seale as its next provost and vice president for academic affairs, effective July 1. Dr. Seale, who currently serves as assistant vice president of academic affairs at Lindsey Wilson College (Columbia, KY) brings extensive leadership experience and a passion for liberal arts education to the role.
“I am particularly interested in Culver’s commitment to the liberal arts,” he said. “My experience as a student, faculty member, and administrator at small liberal arts institutions has only strengthened my support for this type of educational environment,” Dr. Seale explained.
He noted that he is especially drawn to the opportunity to work in partnership with C-SC President Lauren Schellenberger to advance the College’s strategic priorities.
“Dr. Seale brings a powerful blend of academic leadership, creative thinking, and authentic engagement to Culver-Stockton College,” President Schellenberger said. “His experience at institutions that value student-centered learning, paired with his clear passion for collaboration and innovation, make him exceptionally well-equipped to help advance our mission and support our faculty, staff, and students. I am thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team.”
Dr. Seale explained that his leadership philosophy centers on transparency, collaboration, and open communication.
“A provost must navigate a two-way street—supporting the needs of faculty and staff while advancing institutional goals,” he said. “People are more likely to support decisions when they’re part of the process and understand the rationale behind them.”
Among his first priorities, Dr. Seale plans to engage deeply with the Culver-Stockton community.
“I want to listen, learn, and understand what makes C-SC a special place. That means spending time with faculty, staff, and students to hear their perspectives,” he said. “I’m committed to
being an active and visible member of the community—from the classroom to the cafeteria to campus events.”
Dr. Seale began his academic career in 1996, after discovering a passion for teaching as a graduate assistant at The College of William and Mary. Although he once envisioned a future in engineering, he quickly found purpose in the classroom and later in leadership. He began his administrative journey as chair of the physics department at Carson-Newman University (Jefferson City, TN) and continued through increasingly impactful roles.
Originally from Indiana, Dr. Seale earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Wabash College (Crawfordsville, IN) and his master’s and doctorate degrees in physics from The College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA). Over the years, he has become known not only for his administrative acumen but also for his creativity and personal connection to campus life—often showing up to sporting events with spiked hair dyed in school colors.
He and his wife, Cecilia, met while playing competitive volleyball in graduate school and have been married for 28 years. Together, they look forward to being involved in campus events and becoming part of the local community.
“We were incredibly impressed by everyone we met during my interview,” Dr. Seale said. “The faculty and staff were authentic and welcoming, and the students were remarkable.”
Outside of work, Dr. Seale enjoys woodworking, building custom furniture, and repurposing antiques into unique home décor. He’s also a music enthusiast, with a particular love for blues and live performances.
“It’s an exciting moment for the College. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working alongside the entire campus community as we move forward together,” he said.
About Culver-Stockton College
Culver-Stockton College, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.