William C. Deeds, provost at Morningside College, received the 2016 Chief Academic Officer Award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Nov. 5 in New Orleans at CIC’s annual Institute for Chief Academic Officers meeting.

William C. Deeds, provost at Morningside College, received the 2016 Chief Academic Officer Award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Nov. 5 in New Orleans at CIC’s annual Institute for Chief Academic Officers meeting.

The award recognizes Deeds for his significant support of colleagues at independent colleges and universities, his role as a mentor to many new chief academic officers, and the work he has done at the institutions at which he has served.  Deeds has participated as a presenter at nearly every annual Institute for Chief Academic Officers since 2000 and has shared his knowledge and advice as a presenter at the CIC Workshops for Department and Division Chairs since 2010.

 “I am humbled and honored to accept the Chief Academic Officer Award,” Deeds said in his acceptance speech. “My involvement with the Council of Independent Colleges has allowed me to interact with many talented chief academic officers and others dedicated to higher education. My work with CIC has enhanced my ability to serve Morningside College.” 

CIC, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the major national service organization for all small and mid-sized, independent, liberal arts colleges and universities in the U.S with over 600 member institutions.  CIC focuses on providing services to campus leaders through seminars, workshops, and programs that assist institutions in improving educational offerings, administrative and financial performance, and institutional visibility.        

Morningside College President, John Reynders, said he was “pleased but not surprised” that Deeds received this honor.  “Bill is an outstanding provost,” Reynders said.  “Morningside College has benefitted from his service and I have enjoyed working with him during most of my presidency.  Bill is dedicated to our students and an exemplary leader for our faculty.  His experience, ability, and sense of humor make him a provost worthy of this honor. It is gratifying that his peers have recognized his commitment to private liberal arts educational institutions throughout the United States.”

Deeds has served as Morningside College’s chief academic officer since 2000. Before joining Morningside, he worked at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., as professor of psychology, department chair, assistant and associate dean, and dean for academic affairs.

He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wichita State University and a master’s degree and doctorate in experimental psychology from Kansas State University.