Brett Welch has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McNeese State University, a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Northwestern State University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Orleans. Prior to his current position as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, he served as Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Vice Provost for Digital Learning at Lamar University. Additionally, he has served as an academic advisor, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation, Department Chair of Educational Leadership and Teacher Education programs, and Associate Dean in the College of Graduate Studies.

Before his administrative roles, he was a faculty member at universities in both Louisiana and Texas for 17 years within Colleges of Education and Human Development. While serving in the faculty ranks, his research agenda included areas such as the freshman experience, non-traditional students, best practices in online learning, and accreditation models. His current professional affiliations include LTAC (Learning Technology Advisory Committee) for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and TCCAO (Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers).