Stevens, former WKU provost and dean, dies after ‘lengthy battle with cancer’

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Western Kentucky University President Timothy Caboni announced Thursday morning the death of the university’s provost emeritus.

Dr. Cheryl Stevens, the university’s former provost and dean of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering, died after a “lengthy battle with cancer,” Caboni said.

“The entire WKU community is saddened to learn about the passing of Provost Emeritus Cheryl Stevens. She served our institution faithfully during her time as dean of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering and later, as university Provost,” according to a statement from WKU provided to WBKO on Thursday. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her loved ones.”

Stevens first came to WKU in 2012 and served as the dean of Ogden College. She then served as the chief academic officer form 2019 until her retirement in 2021.

“On behalf of the entire WKU family, I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to her family and loved ones,” Caboni said in a statement released on social media.

Stevens began working as the dean of Ogden College after Dr. Blaine Ferrell, who retired in late 2011.

Dr. Stevens previously worked as the dean for Scholarship at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, according to WKU. She also taught at the University of Virginia, Tulane University and the University of New Orleans during her career.

No further information was immediately available.