After a transformative 14-year tenure as Provost and Dean of the College, Dean Marci Sortor is stepping down to return to her academic roots as a professor of history. Her departure marks the end of an era defined by significant innovation, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to the St. Olaf community.
Sortor’s journey to St. Olaf began in 2011, when she was drawn to the college’s unique blend of academic rigor and community engagement.
“Someone had mentioned that St. Olaf was looking for a provost and asked me if I would be interested in looking into it further, and I did,” said Sortor in an interview with The Olaf Messenger. “So I talked with a search committee, and I met with people, learned more about the college, and fell in love.”
Over the years, Dean Sortor has overseen numerous initiatives that have shaped the college’s trajectory, including the Mellon-funded “Digital Humanities on the Hill” and “To Include Is To Excel” programs. These initiatives have fostered a more inclusive and technologically advanced campus, enhancing both teaching and learning.
“Those two big grant initiatives were a joy to get to be a part of, and so important, because they helped us in different ways think about what St. Olaf could become and give people the tools to then advance in that direction,” Sortor said.
One of Sortor’s most significant contributions has been her support for faculty research and student engagement. She has championed initiatives that have empowered faculty to pursue groundbreaking research and provided students with opportunities to collaborate with professors.
“It has been exciting and an honor to see the way in which St. Olaf faculty members excel as scholars and as artists, and they do amazing things,” Sortor said. “And one of the joys of this role is that I get a little glimpse into so many people’s stories and how they excel.”
When questioned about her reasoning for returning to the professoriate, Sortor spoke candidly about her desire for new adventures and returning to her roots as a teacher.
“I like change. I like doing something that’s different,” she said. “Being a provost means that there’s always something new and important and interesting that emerges. So it’s been a joy, and I still really love this work, but I’m ready to try something new again. And, in particular, I think of myself as a history professor who got taken out of the classroom for a while, and now it’s time to bring her back to her natural environment.”
As Sortor’s tenure as Provost and Dean comes to an end, her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the St. Olaf community. Her commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement has left an enduring mark on the college.
