Biography
Dr. McCarty serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Arcadia University, where he provides strategic leadership for the University’s academic enterprise and serves as a key member of the President’s Cabinet. In this role, he partners with deans, faculty, and academic leaders across Arcadia’s colleges and schools, as well as Landman Library, to advance academic excellence, innovation, and student success across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

He provides leadership for academic planning, curricular development, faculty support and development, and the expansion of high-impact learning opportunities. He works closely with campus partners to strengthen interdisciplinary programs and support diverse modalities of learning, including experiential, hybrid, and global education.

Prior Leadership Experience
Dr. McCarty previously served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania, beginning in 2024. In that role, he oversaw a $13M academic budget and more than 140 faculty members, along with key academic and student support units including the Registrar’s Office, Curriculum and Instruction, Assessment and Accreditation, Academic Support, and Career Services.

At Mercyhurst, he also advanced institutional partnerships and academic agreements with Duquesne University, Saint John’s School of Theology, and Allegheny College, supporting expanded academic collaboration and program development.

Earlier at Mercyhurst, where he worked since 2008, Dr. McCarty held multiple leadership roles including Dean of Faculty and President of the Faculty Senate, in addition to serving as Professor of Religious Studies.

Scholarship and Service
Dr. McCarty serves on the Board of Trustees for the Erie Community Foundation, as a board member for Erie Homes for Children and Adults, and as lead clergy for the Community United Church (United Church of Christ), reflecting ongoing engagement in academic, civic, and faith communities.

Education
Dr. McCarty earned his PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Iowa, where he also served as a teaching assistant and instructor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Iowa State University and a Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at Kirkwood Community College.