Currently the Provost at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, next summer she will succeed Steve Bahls when he retires.
The chair of the search committee, and chair of the board of trustees, John Murabito, says it was a very successful, national search. Well over 100 people applied, and eventually the committee held multiple interviews with eight candidates.
"We wanted to make sure we had somebody who clearly in their capability set put students first and created an environment where students feel both supported but also challenged."
He says they were also looking for someone with a record of innovation and creativity, and someone "who cared deeply about diversity, equity, and inclusion."
"We wanted someone who aspired to making sure that Augustana continued to be a college of distinction, not just in the Midwest but nationally. We wanted to insure that who-ever we put into this position had high aspirations for Augustana College."
Talentino has served as Provost at Nazareth College for 4 1/2 years. Prior to that she was Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Norwich University in Vermont for 5 years.
