Provost Michelle DenBeste has announced she has stepped down from her position as provost. 

On Friday, Oct. 13 Wohlpart sent an email to the university officially announcing DenBeste’s decision to step down and her decision to become the new Vice President for Advancement. Kurt Kirstein, who was associate provost, will act as interim provost for the time being. 

Wohlpart said he and the Faculty Senate Leadership and Executive Leadership team will begin the process of finding someone who can fill that position permanently. 

The Observer reached out to DenBeste for a comment on Oct. 12. In an email back she said, “I have no comment. I’m looking forward to working with the advancing team for the remainder of the year in my role as special assistant to the vice president for advancement.”

The information that DenBest was considering stepping down first circulated in an email to department chairs on Oct. 11. 

DenBeste has been serving as provost since May 18, 2020, according to a CWU press release. 

This story will be updated as more information comes out.