Biography
Peter M. Provenzano Jr.
Chancellor Peter Provenzano is a fixture on OCC campuses as he works to infuse a shared vision for student and community success with genuineness and endless energy.
Since joining the College in 2014, Provenzano has led several major initiatives, including focusing on the College’s strategic goal to double the number of students who graduate by 2028. He empowers every OCC student to succeed through academic excellence, a focus on equity and inclusion, and a collaborative, mission-based employee culture. He listens equally to the needs and voice of the community. In his second year as Chancellor, he led the passage of a $45 million, 10-year millage renewal with a resounding 72% voter approval.
To keep the College focused on the success of its students, Provenzano leverages his finance background and holds his team accountable for data-driven decision making when planning and measuring outcomes. He balances the hard data with his personal style, gathering information by walking around OCC’s campuses talking and listening to students, faculty and staff. This approach proved crucial in moving the College to offering more online courses and degrees to address student need and demand; and creating greater access to redesigned programs and support services for every student.
Provenzano has repositioned OCC for growth during a time of national enrollment decline. Together with Board of Trustees' support, the College has invested in campus infrastructure and strengthened its collaborative partnerships with businesses, K-12, higher education, state and county partners, and the community—all while maintaining one of the lowest tuition rates in Michigan. His vision of “One OCC is to be the gold standard in higher education, providing a consistent student experience and modeling the best ways to support individuals in their academic and career goals across the College."