Sept. 5, 2025–Two Missouri Western State University faculty members who have served as interim vice provosts for the past year have been appointed to their positions permanently.
Dr. Tilo Roy, Vice Provost
Dr. Tilottama Roy has been named vice provost for graduate and sponsored programming. In that role she oversees the Griffon Office of Applied Learning, study away and travel, grants and graduate programming. Dr. Roy joined MoWest in 2017 and is a tenured associate professor of biology.
“I am thrilled with how Dr. Roy stepped in and created order and processes for her units in a short amount of time,” said Dr. Jay Johnson, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “Her experience in the classroom and as a researcher makes her an ideal fit for the needs of this office and our focus on providing applied learning experiences to all students. She is a loyal Griffon and exemplifies our institutional values.”
“This role provides me the opportunity to help advance our institution’s applied learning mission, enhance graduate education, expand research and creative activity and strengthen our institution’s impact on our community,” Dr. Roy said. “What excites me the most about this new chapter is the chance to work on a wide variety of projects that align with our university’s applied learning mission—ensuring that students engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them to lead in their fields.”
Dr. Roy earned a Bachelor of Science in Botany from Presidency College (University of Calcutta), Master of Science Degrees from the University of Calcutta and the University of South Dakota, and her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from State University of New York at Buffalo.
Dr. Michael Charlton, Vice Provost
Dr. Michael Charlton has been named vice provost for academic operations. In that role he oversees the Center for Academic Support, tutoring, accreditation and assessment, faculty workload and many other operational needs of Academic Affairs. Dr. Charlton came to MoWest in 2008 and is a tenured professor in the Department of Communication.
“Dr. Charlton has been an excellent addition to our office,” said Dr. Johnson. “His breadth of knowledge of MoWest, leadership experience and technical skills have given Academic Affairs a fresh perspective and will allow us to evolve to meet student needs for years to come. He is committed to MWSU and will be a key member of our leadership team.”
“I am drawn to this position’s focus on helping our students succeed academically through services like advising, tutoring, testing, instructional design and assessment,” Dr. Charlton said. “I spent 15 years as a faculty member learning about all of the wonderful ways the faculty contribute to student success and in this new role I get to see much more of what the staff do to make MoWest a special place.”
Dr. Charlton holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Oklahoma.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.