Since stepping into the role of Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs in February, Dr. Pamela Slaven-Lee has wasted no time charting a strategic path forward for Marymount University’s academic enterprise. With her appointment, she’s focusing on strengthening faculty collaboration, growing research and scholarship and supporting student success in every form.
Having previously served as Dean of Marymount’s College of Health and Education, Dr. Slaven-Lee says she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with academic leadership. That experience has shaped her approach in the Office of the Provost, where she now leads three colleges, three research centers and the University’s clinical health and well-being services.
“It would be really difficult to be a Provost without having been a Dean,” Dr. Slaven-Lee said. “I can relate to the challenges they face closer to the action, and I appreciate their work with the school directors and faculty as they maintain optimism and drive us forward. They’ve all been incredibly supportive of my transition and we’ve formed a really strong team.”
That team has already taken steps to align strategic priorities across Marymount’s academic units, with a particular focus on faculty support and resources, program growth and ensuring the University’s distinct mission is reflected in both classroom and campus culture.
“We’re focusing on how we can create an environment where faculty feel they can contribute in a positive way, meet the objectives of their programs and meet the needs of our students,” she added.
During her tenure in Marymount’s Office of the Provost, which included time as Interim Provost from July 2024 to February of this year before her official appointment, the University has reached several key milestones. These include earning designation from the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education (ACE) as a Research University, which recognizes Marymount’s growing research portfolio.
“As an institution of higher learning, teaching is a strategic priority, but so is research and scholarly inquiry,” Dr. Slaven-Lee explained. “All of us as a scholarly community should be involved in some level of scholarship. Sometimes we think about research in terms of big grants, but scholarship can take many forms, and we all benefit when it’s part of our culture.”
Under her leadership, Marymount has also launched new academic offerings such as its Master of Social Work degree, increased both research grant submissions and external grant funding by 10 percent and is trending toward an increase in first-year student retention.
Marymount University President Irma Becerra expressed confidence in Dr. Slaven-Lee’s ability to lead Marymount’s academic mission at this critical moment in the higher education landscape.
“Dr. Slaven-Lee brings a collaborative spirit and a deep understanding of managing academic and research portfolios,” President Becerra said. “Her ability to engage with faculty, staff, students and external partners will be crucial in shaping Marymount’s reputation as a leading institution committed to career readiness and innovation. Her leadership will further enhance our efforts in retention, student success and academic excellence, and I look forward to working with her as we build upon Marymount’s legacy of excellence and impact.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Slaven-Lee has championed inclusive academic environments, rigorous standards and values-based education—qualities that have found a natural home at Marymount. As Dean of the College of Health and Education from June 2023 to July 2024, she made an impact by launching the Counselor Education and Supervision doctorate program, facilitating the opening of Marymount’s Community Mental Health Training Clinic and establishing the College’s Dean’s Advisory Board and Dean’s Executive Council.
Prior to Marymount, Dr. Slaven-Lee served as interim dean and senior associate dean for academic affairs at the George Washington University School of Nursing. She also held faculty and leadership appointments at Uniformed Services University and Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies.
As she looks ahead, she remains focused on cultivating an academic environment where excellence is fostered, innovation is encouraged and every member of the community feels valued and empowered to succeed.
“Marymount is uniquely positioned to be successful largely because of our faculty and staff and their dedication to our mission, and the ability of our leadership to maintain focus on the mission,” she said. “We’ve remained steadfast to that—we’re attracting students who are dedicated to our values, and we’ve retained faculty because of their dedication to our values.”
She is also deeply appreciative of the University’s faith-based identity, which she says has been personally meaningful.
“I do my best to live a gospel-centered life, and this is the first institution where I’ve been able to practice that lifestyle completely and unapologetically,” Dr. Slaven-Lee said. “Also, our faculty and staff and my Cabinet colleagues are wonderful. We support one another and give each other honest feedback, and that’s absolutely invaluable.”
Dr. Slaven-Lee is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Omicron Xi Chapter, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Phi Kappa Phi. She is also a founding board member of the Wreaths Across America nonprofit, which seeks to remember fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach children the value of freedom. She is a proud member of an active-duty Marine Corps family and lives in northern Virginia with her husband, Lt. Col. Ho K. Lee, and three sons.
