As an undergraduate studying at Connecticut College, Marko Dumančić’s higher education career path started to come into focus. 

Dumančić had considered possibly teaching in high school, but as his interest in history as a discipline increased, so too did his interest in teaching in college. 

“Teaching has always been central to what I do, and I’ve stayed passionate about it,” Dumančić said. “If I’m going to think about what students want and need, then I need to be in the trenches with the students.” 

That mindset has served Dumančić well over the years, and it’s a mindset he’ll bring to Miami University when he begins his new role as associate provost for Undergraduate Education in January. 

Dumančić currently serves as assistant provost for faculty development and student success at Western Kentucky University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina and holds a professorship in Western Kentucky’s Department of History. 

While at Western Kentucky, Dumančić led the Gateway to Graduation initiative, along with the Living Learning Community program, both of which helped increase student enrollment and retention. Dumančić’s tenure also saw the creation of the Inclusive Teaching Academy, as well as the 1st Generation Initiative, which significantly boosted retention and academic success for first-generation college students. 

“I am thrilled that Dr. Marko Dumančić will join the Provost's Office team as the new associate provost for Undergraduate Education,” said Elizabeth Mullenix, Miami’s provost. “Marko brings with him to Miami years of experience working on student success issues and faculty development. His expertise, relational leadership style, and experience are just what Miami needs to move forward in this challenging higher ed landscape.” 

Born in Libya, Dumančić grew up in Croatia before emigrating to the United States following the Yugoslav Wars. Dumančić’s journey has taken him from Boston to Chapel Hill, Cleveland to Nashville, as he developed a love for teaching along the way. 

There are many things about Miami that interest Dumančić – from the Howe Center for Writing Excellence and its Sensemaking for Student Success program to the unique core curriculum of the Miami Plan and the nationally recognized Honors College, ranked No. 6 by College Transitions, just to name a few.

“Miami’s reputation reaches far and wide,” Dumančić said. “Being able to work in a community that is so focused on student success and always focused on the future is something that greatly appealed to me.” 

After meeting with a handful of Miami students during the interview process, Dumančić was energized. 

“There was so much thoughtfulness and optimism,” he said. “I am looking forward to meeting students where they are and hearing what their experiences have been like when it comes to undergraduate education. I can’t wait to get started.” 

How MiamiTHRIVE, the university’s strategic plan, relates to optimizing undergraduate education will be one of Dumančić’s initial areas of attention in his new position. 

“It is something that is super exciting,” Dumančić said. “Bringing folks together and working as a team is going to be my primary focus in my first year, certainly.”