Jean McGivney-Burelle, Ph.D., was selected as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs in May 2024. McGivney-Burelle has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Hartford, a master’s degree in mathematics from Northeastern University and a Ph.D. in curriculum instruction from the University of Connecticut. Prior to her work at St. Joe’s, McGivney-Burelle served as a professor in the department of mathematics at the University of Hartford, where she also held numerous leadership positions, and later as a professor in the department of teaching and educational studies and dean of the College of Education at Idaho State University. The Hawk sat down with McGivney-Burelle to discuss her new role and how she is adjusting to the St. Joe’s community.
What about St. Joe’s inspired you to apply for the position of provost and senior vice president of academic affairs?
Certainly the Jesuit mission of the institution and its focus on caring for and educating the whole person. I grew up Catholic. My father was a deacon. My mother was director of religious education, and so a lot of the values that I was raised with are reflected here through our focus on, again, teaching the whole student but also developing in students a real commitment to contributing to the common good.
What is your favorite part about your work so far as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at St. Joe’s?
My approach to leadership is very relational, and so the extent to which I’m going to be successful in my role and helping move academic affairs forward is, to me, squarely or directly connected to the relationships that I can build with people. So, I’ve just enjoyed meeting people here, meeting faculty, meeting staff, meeting other administrators. And what I’m seeing is this incredible pride in the institution and a willingness to to do really hard things. So, I would have to say meeting the people at St. Joe’s has been the most fun part of the past four months.
What is your favorite part about working in higher education?
What drew me to working in higher ed to begin with is truly working with students, and I think it’s because college students are at such a pivotal and exciting time in their lives. It’s a period of self-discovery. It’s a period of incredible growth, and that I get to both observe it and participate in it in a small way is an honor and it’s a privilege.
What is one fun fact about you that might surprise other people?
I lived in Lannon Hall for four months this summer and my RA was Meadow Monticello ’26.
What is the most interesting fact you learned about St. Joe’s since you arrived on campus?
One of the philosophers that I’ve read, who early on in my studies had played an influential role in my own development as an educator, is someone by the name of John Dewey. [His] idea of educating students to be active and thoughtful and critical members of a democratic society has always resonated with me.
When I came to St. Joe’s, I was given a tour of the Maguire Art Museum and the Barnes Arboretum. Albert Barnes was a doctor who was also an art collector, among many other things, but what struck me was when I was told that John Dewey and Albert Barnes were lifelong friends.
I am sure John Dewey was here walking in the very same footsteps that I’m walking now as a provost, and that, to me, is meaningful and something that I carry with me. What occurs to me is that if John Dewey were around right now, I think he would be very impressed [with] how St. Joe’s is helping students prepare to be active, thoughtful, critical members of a democratic society.
What academic or career advice would you give to students who see you as a role model?
Say “yes” to new opportunities even if you are scared! Building relationships is the key to success in just about every career so take the time to listen and to get to know your coworkers as colleagues and human beings.
Grow comfortable with criticism and focus on how it can help you grow. Most career paths aren’t linear so learn to love the detours.
And since I am an educator and teacher educator at heart, for those pursuing a career in education, my advice is to beware of the walnut trees and find your marigolds! If you don’t know what I mean, Google it.
