Dr. Wesley Kisting joined Hamline as provost, dean of the faculty, and professor of English in July 2025.
As Hamline's chief academic officer, Dr. Kisting leads faculty across the College of Liberal Arts, the Hamline School of Business, and the Hamline School of Education and Leadership. He establishes academic priorities, guides strategic planning, and oversees faculty recruitment and development while managing resources to support student success. His portfolio includes academic success, advising, athletics, inclusive excellence, institutional effectiveness, the library, and registration and records. Dr. Kisting also represents the university's academic programs in collaborative initiatives throughout the community.
Before joining Hamline, Dr. Kisting served as professor of English and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. He previously spent 16 years at Augusta University in Georgia, where he held various academic leadership roles and contributed to the institution's remarkable transformation from a state college to an R1 research university.
Dr. Kisting earned his bachelor's degree in English and writing from Marquette University and his PhD in English language and literature from the University of Iowa. His scholarly research examines how theological discussions of conscience shaped secular concepts of power and individual identity in early modern England. He is also deeply engaged with educational technology and has emerged as a thought leader on artificial intelligence in higher education.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kisting has championed innovative, interdisciplinary programs that blend liberal arts learning with technology and hands-on experiences, ensuring students graduate well-prepared for meaningful careers and civic engagement.