LACEY, Wash. — Saint Martin’s University has named Javier Clavere, Ph.D., as its next provost and vice president of academic affairs following a national search. He will assume the position July 1, 2026. Clavere currently serves as the dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.
Clavere brings extensive experience in academic leadership, with a focus on thoughtful innovation and interdisciplinary programs that connect ethics, the humanities and emerging approaches in higher education. He has a strong record in curriculum development, faculty support and institutional planning.
At the center of his leadership is a commitment to educating the whole person. He prioritizes student success, faculty development and the creation of mission-aligned academic programs that prepare students to lead meaningful lives and contribute to the common good.
“I am confident this appointment represents a strong and strategic step forward. Dr. Clavere will be a close partner in advancing our mission and strengthening alignment between our vision, leadership and institutional priorities. I am truly excited that Javier will be joining our university community this summer as provost," said University President Bill Brownsberger, S.T.D. "He also brings warmth, enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for our Catholic, Benedictine mission, and will be a trusted partner in Saint Martin’s pursuit of excellence and in delivering a transformative education to our students.”
Clavere’s broader professional experience spans systems theory, educational leadership, organizational development and transformational change in higher education. He has also led initiatives in servant leadership, executive coaching and team development, with a focus on cultivating strong, collaborative academic communities.
Reflecting on his appointment, Clavere shared his gratitude and alignment with Saint Martin’s mission:
"To be welcomed as provost through a national search is an incredible honor, but more than that, it feels like a convergence of purpose. Saint Martin’s commitment to the sacredness of the individual, the strength of community and the integration of faith, reason and service echoes the very work I have devoted my life to. I come with deep gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility to steward this mission into its next chapter."
In addition to his academic leadership, Clavere serves as executive director of the Semiotic Society of America, where he oversees scholarly publications and research initiatives, including The American Journal of Semiotics. He is also a licensed TEDx organizer and has presented internationally as a keynote speaker, including in Brazil and Argentina, where he received a lifetime achievement award as a “Distinguished Musician.”
The national search was led by a committee comprised of representatives from the Board of Trustees, Saint Martin’s Abbey, faculty and staff groups. The search launched in January with finalists visiting campus in late February. Clavere’s appointment marks a significant step in advancing its commitment to excellence, innovation and its Catholic Benedictine mission. He will join the University community this summer as it continues to expand opportunities for students and deepen its impact across the region and beyond.
Saint Martin’s University is an independent coeducational university, with undergraduate and graduate offerings, located on a wooded campus of more than 380 acres in Lacey, Washington. Established in 1895 by the Catholic Order of Saint Benedict, the University is one of 13 Benedictine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Saint Martin’s University empowers students to pursue a lifetime of learning and accomplishment through its 31 majors, 11 master’s programs, one doctorate program and six certificate programs spanning the arts and sciences, business, counseling, education, engineering, nursing, and leadership. Saint Martin’s welcomes more than 1,300 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students from many ethnic and religious backgrounds to its Lacey campus, and more students to its extended campus located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
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