I am pleased to share that Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Recreational Therapy at Clemson University, has been appointed as the next vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. 

Dr. 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 progressive administrative leadership positions, including Program Director and Graduate Coordinator. She currently serves as Associate Dean in the Graduate School, where she has been a dedicated advocate for the health and well-being of graduate and professional students, leading initiatives to improve mental health access, reduce healthcare costs, and expand wellness resources. Her efforts have 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 professional community. 

Dr. Van Puymbroeck brings a strong commitment to innovation, mentorship, and career development that will greatly benefit the Graduate School. By launching Clemson’s Graduate Center for Transformational Mentorship (GCTM), she strengthened mentorship training for faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, fostering a more supportive academic environment. She also implemented Clemson’s Accelerate to Industry (A2i) program, which created valuable experiential opportunities for graduate students interested in exploring industry careers. As she begins her tenure at UT, Dr. Van Puymbroeck is committed to enhancing mentorship, expanding professional development resources, and strengthening industry partnerships, ensuring graduate and professional students are well-prepared for a wide variety of professional opportunities. 

Dr. Van Puymbroeck’s appointment will begin July 1, 2025.  

 I offer my appreciation to search committee chair David White and search committee members Marla Bruner, Amy Cathey, Michael Danquah, Amanda Galbraith, Kristi Gordon, Kyung Joon Han, Katherine Trubee, and Brynn Voy. 

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Van Puymbroeck to the university.  

John Zomchick
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor