Meet the provost: Dr. Ravi Krovi plans to build on growing momentum at BGSU

Krovi brings extensive knowledge of student success and access to public higher education 

Dr. Ravi Krovi was first introduced to higher education at around five years old, tagging along to the college his grandfather founded in their native India. 

His grandfather set out to broaden educational opportunities for students, a philosophy that was pivotal in shaping Krovi’s future as a leader in higher education and one he plans to continue as the new provost and senior vice president at Bowling Green State University. 

“Education has the ability to change lives. Creating accessible and affordable pathways for students to succeed is paramount to that mission,” Krovi said. “Throughout my career, I have focused on fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, establishing unique and innovative industry partnerships, fiercely supporting faculty in their roles as researchers and educators and keeping students at the center of every decision.” 

Krovi began his new role at BGSU in early May, joining the University at a time of record-breaking enrollment and student success. Krovi said he plans to build on that momentum, ensuring BGSU remains a top educational institution in Ohio that comprehensively supports students in maximizing their college experience. 

"Student success is never a one-size-fits-all, and I am most excited by how BGSU is supporting each student in their progression to earning a college degree," Krovi said. "There is so much momentum around our strong academic programs and research and creative activities. We are a comprehensive, public research university that facilitates faculty-student engagement as a marker of student learning and the overall experience. This is a powerful approach for demonstrating the impact and value of public higher education.” 

As provost, Krovi will oversee the University's academic work to ensure a BGSU education remains relevant to students and workforce needs. Throughout his career, Krovi has successfully leveraged external partnerships with a variety of organizations to develop new programs, faculty positions and student success initiatives. 

While Krovi's nearly three decades in higher education have created a far-reaching impact, for him, the small moments of making an immediate difference in students’ lives have left an equally indelible mark on his career. 

He recalled two particularly profound experiences: helping a student find housing and an on-campus job to keep them from withdrawing and bringing commencement to the hospital room of a student who had an unexpected medical emergency. 

“These are things I still think about to this day that remind me how impactful the work we’re doing can be,” Krovi said. “Whether it’s helping a student overcome an obstacle or celebrating their accomplishments alongside them, the students are why we keep pushing boundaries and innovating new ways to support their success.” 

Before joining BGSU, Krovi served as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Weber State University, a comprehensive public, regional university serving more than 30,000 students near Salt Lake City, Utah. 

In that role since 2020, Krovi championed student success initiatives, facilitated a materials technology accelerator with industry partners and collaborated with the School of Medicine at the University of Utah to strategically manage a national education and research center in occupational health and safety. 

Prior to his work at Weber State,  Krovi held multiple leadership roles at the University of Akron, including serving as dean of the College of Business Administration for a decade, where he enhanced the academic and leadership development of business students through private philanthropy, corporate funding and other gifts. 

Krovi assumes his role from Dr. Glenn Davis, who served as interim provost and senior vice president since August 2024 while continuing to lead the Division of Student Engagement and Success. Davis has since returned to his role as vice president for student engagement and success at BGSU.