Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

Welcome to the University of Idaho — a vibrant community where curiosity drives discovery, innovation fuels progress, and student success is at the heart of everything we do.

As Provost and Executive Vice President, I am proud to support an academic environment that embraces cutting-edge solutions and empowers every student to thrive. Our learner-centric model combines rigorous academics with hands-on experiences that enrich each student’s educational journey.

We understand the importance of preparing learners for a rapidly changing world — one that demands critical thinking, deep engagement, and the confidence to shape the future. Our faculty are not only leaders in their fields but also dedicated mentors, committed to guiding students both academically and personally.

At the University of Idaho, you’ll find opportunities to learn across disciplines, engage in groundbreaking research, and connect with members in the community that value creativity and excellence. Whether you’re exploring our programs for the first time or continuing your journey with us, know that we are here to support your growth and help you succeed.

We invite you to discover all that the University of Idaho has to offer — and to imagine your future with us.

Torrey Lawrence
Provost and Executive Vice President

What is the Provost/Executive Vice President’s Job

A university provost is the chief academic officer and the second-highest-ranking official in a university, just below the president or chancellor. The provost is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all academic programs and activities, including research, teaching, student affairs, and faculty development. They work closely with the deans of individual schools or colleges within the university to ensure that academic standards are maintained and that the university's educational mission is fulfilled. The provost also plays a key role in strategic planning, budgeting, and fundraising, and is often involved in policy decisions related to the university's operations and growth.

Email the Provost's Office or Request the provost’s attendance at an event

Get to know the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President works with the community to fulfill the university’s mission and achieve its goals. Direct reports to the Office of the Provost and EVP include:

Explore U of I’s Vision for the Next Five Years

See how the next five years will transform our campus, community and impact. 

View the Strategic Plan

About our provost and executive vice president

Torrey Lawrence began his role as the Provost and Executive Vice President in December 2020. In this role he serves as the university’s chief academic officer, directly responsible for the general direction of all academic programs, endeavors, and instructional services on the Moscow campus as well as the university’s statewide academic, outreach and research initiatives. He leads the university’s strategic planning, accreditation development, and works alongside the other vice presidents and members of the administration to support U of I’s mission.

Prior to his current role, he served as Vice Provost for Faculty at U of I for two years. In this role he managed faculty affairs for the institution by providing leadership in the areas of faculty hiring, mentoring, supervision, professional development and promotion. He was a liaison between the Provost’s Office and Faculty Senate, deans, associate deans, department chairs and other campus leaders. He regularly advised on policy issues, directed professional development for department/school administrators, oversaw new faculty orientation and worked to support other faculty initiatives.

Lawrence has been a faculty member in the Lionel Hampton School of Music (LHSOM) since 1998. Since his arrival until 2018 he taught a variety of courses including the tuba/euphonium studio, Concert Band, university athletic bands (including the Vandal Marching Band), brass methods, band literature and other courses.

As an administrator he served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Faculty Affairs in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences from 2017-2018, Director of LHSOM from 2013-2017 and Associate Director of LHSOM from 2012-2013. Prior to coming to Idaho, he was the Executive Director of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and taught at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.

He remains an active performer and has been principal tubist in the Walla Walla Symphony since 2002. He was tubist in the Idaho Brass Quintet from 1998-2019 and the Washington Idaho Symphony from 1998-2008. Lawrence has performed with many other ensembles including the Spokane Symphony, Oregon Symphony (Portland), Eugene Symphony and the Oregon Mozart Players. As a soloist he has performed recitals throughout the West and was featured with multiple ensembles playing the tuba concerti of Ralph Vaughan Williams (three times), Edward Gregson (twice) and Eric Ewazen (once).

Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Lawrence earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees at Northwestern University, where he studied tuba with Rex Martin. He completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in tuba performance and wind conducting at the University of Oregon where he studied with Michael Grose and Robert Ponto.

He and his wife, Sara, live near Viola, Idaho. Their first child, Thomas, was born in 2008 and their second, Jane, in 2012. His favorite activities include building Legos with his kids, swimming, running, bicycling and sailing the coastal waters of Washington and British Columbia.

D.M.A., Tuba performance and wind conducting, University of Oregon, 2010
M.Mus., Music theory, Northwestern University, 1996
B.Mus., Tuba performance, Northwestern University, 1996. 

Download the Provost/EVP’s Bio

Torrey Lawrence

Torrey Lawrence

Provost and executive vice president and professor of music