As a student at Miami University Regionals, Brooke Flinders was encouraged and supported by faculty. It’s part of what brought her back to Miami as an educator.

Delivering that same type of assistance, now as an administrator, is part of what keeps her here. Flinders began her role as associate provost for faculty affairs on Oct. 1, and she’s eager to continue strengthening the connection between faculty and the office of the provost. 

“I feel like I’ve grown up at Miami,” Flinders said. “When I decided to move from clinical practice to full-time education, I only wanted to do it here.” 

Flinders earned an associate degree in 1994 and a bachelor’s degree in 2003 in Nursing from Miami before returning to the university to teach in 2006. She also served as chair of the Department of Nursing and as an associate dean. 

That administrative experience will serve Flinders well, said Elizabeth Mullenix, Miami’s provost. Flinders’ work in developing the Nursing program led to forming solid relationships, both across departments and across campuses. 

“She not only has great experience, but she has great experience at Miami,” Mullenix said. “She’s built partnerships at the university, in the community, and in the region. She is a tested leader.” 

Part of Flinders’ new duties include serving as the primary contact for faculty initiatives, as well as supporting retention and leadership development. 

Flinders replaces Dana Cox, who will return as a full-time faculty member. Mullenix praised Cox’s efforts during her time with the provost’s office. 

“She kind of invented the role,” Mullenix said. “Dana blazed a lot of trails in terms of carving out this position. Dana was given so much joy in doing faculty and chair development. She really created the place for that kind of support, and we will definitely continue that.” 

Advancing and celebrating faculty is also important to Flinders. Reliable systematic support and guidance is an expectation, and Flinders echoed Mullenix’s praise of Cox as she seeks to continue the work Cox started. 

“The goal is to not only bring people here, but to keep people here,” Flinders said. “We want to make sure faculty  are aware of the support that exists, so they are able to take  advantage of the opportunities that might be most valuable to them.” 

As a first-generation student, Flinders chose Miami Regionals because it gave her a clear path toward her career goals. She said a well-rounded education grounded in liberal arts prepared her to serve as a nurse and in advanced practice. Flinders credits her Miami faculty for her growth and her ability to practice as a registered nurse at just 20 years old. She wasn’t intimidated to talk with faculty. They were open, approachable, and driven to help her succeed. 

“They knew my first name and they remembered me decades after I graduated,” Flinders said. “I felt like I mattered. These are the things that continue to bring students to us today. 

“When I talk with students and parents who have so many  options, and they ask, ‘why Miami?’  That’s easy for me,” Flinders says. “Miami does an excellent job of meeting students where they are and of helping students make connections to the industries they want to serve. The expertise, strength, and commitment to students that our faculty share is unparalleled.”