Denise Bruesewitz

As Colby’s chief academic officer, Provost and Clara C. Piper Professor of Environmental Studies Denise oversees the academic program, stewarding the College’s academic vision and fostering the campus intellectual environment. Her office oversees the faculty, curriculum, support for research and student learning initiatives, and faculty governance. The Colby Libraries, Colby Arts Office, the Center for Arts and Humanities, the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs, the Colby Writing Program, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Colby Labs, and the offices of off-campus study and registrar are responsible to the provost. Denise is a biogeochemist and ecosystem ecologist with a focus on freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems. She earned her Ph.D. in biology from the University of Notre Dame and had postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and New Zealand’s University of Waikato before arriving at Colby in 2012. She lives in Waterville.

“I joined the advisory council for the opportunity to engage in the conversation about the future of the Kennebec River and the success of the communities along the river in a time of change. As a freshwater scientist, I am eager to share my expertise on issues related to water quality and river health, and as an educator I am eager to encourage opportunities to bring people together to learn and explore ideas related to economic, environmental and community health.”