The Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs is responsible for bringing the mission of Mount Mercy to life through a curriculum rich in high-interest majors, programs and learning experiences. We look forward to fostering a positive academic experience at Mount Mercy for all students.
Dr. Melody Graham
Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
319-363-8213 ext. 1259
Office: 214 Warde Hall
melody@mtmercy.edu
Dr. Graham has been with Mount Mercy since 1991. Her many leadership roles and accomplishments include serving as department Chair in 1997- 2002 and serving twice as social science division chair. She was appointed director of academic assessment in 2000, held the Feld Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellent in 2006 – 08, and was appointed dean of graduate studies in 2007, where she oversaw Mount Mercy’s graduate programs in business, education, nursing and marriage and family therapy. In 2011 she was appointed acting provost and vice president of academic affairs. Dr. Graham holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts from Claremont Graduate University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Dr. Janet Handler
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
319-363-1323, ext. 1291
Office: 214 Warde Hall
handler@mtmercy.edu
Dr. Handler has been with Mount Mercy since 1987 when she began as associate professor of education. She held the first Feld Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence in 2002 – 2004 and has served in a leadership role in the Office of Academic Affairs since 2007 as associate provost. She was influential in leading the core curriculum advisory team, and serves as co-leader with Graham on the Pathways to Scholarship Quality Improvement Initiative. Dr. Handler holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a Master of Education degree from Rutgers University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Bridgeport.
Valencia Johnson
Academic Support and Retention Specialist
319-363-8213 x 2888
Office: Warde 303
vjohnson@mtmercy.edu
Valencia Johnson joined Mount Mercy in 2011. she previously served as a student success advisor at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Ga. She has extensive experience working alongside at-risk students to realign them under strong academic goals, and works to partner with faculty and staff in developing ways to provide new freshman with academic support.
Johnson is a member of the National College Learning Center Association and the National Academic Advising Association. She holds a Master's of Education degree in higher education and student affairs from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Arts in English and communication from Columbia College, S.C.
