The Graduate School is excited to welcome Marieke Van Puymbroeck, the new vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. Van Puymbroeck comes to us most recently from Clemson University, where she served as associate dean of the graduate school and professor of recreational therapy.
Van Puymbroeck earned a Bachelor of Science in therapeutic recreation from Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia. She also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in rehabilitation science (2004) and a Master of Science in recreation studies (2001), both from the University of Florida in Gainesville. In her time at Clemson University, she held progressively administrative leadership positions, including program director and graduate coordinator. As associate dean of Clemson’s graduate school, Van Puymbroeck was a dedicated advocate for the health and well-being of graduate students and postdocs, leading initiatives to improve mental health access, reduce health care costs and expand wellness resources. Her efforts also led to increased utilization of support services, expanded wellness initiatives, and secured essential health insurance for international scholars, significantly enhancing the overall well-being of the graduate and postdoc community.
Throughout her career at institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Indiana University Bloomington, Van Puymbroeck is a committed advocate for graduate education and the needs of graduate students and postdocs. With a strong background in mentoring and professional development for graduate students and postdocs, she is well positioned to bring student success for UT’s graduate students and postdocs to the next level. She brings a high-energy, thoughtful, and intentional leadership style to the Graduate School.
The Graduate School’s enthusiasm is echoed by Provost John Zomchick, who says, “We are excited to welcome Marieke Van Puymbroeck as the new vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to graduate and professional education will help guide us as we embark on answering the chancellor’s challenge to raise the university to the next level in research, scholarship, and student success.”
Please join the Graduate School in making Marieke Van Puymbroeck feel welcome here on Rocky Top!