April 25, 2025/Midnight
Originally published in print April 14, 2025
Erie, Pa.— According to the American Council on Education, 33% of women hold a leadership position in higher education. Men continue to outnumber women in presidency roles but Sarah Ewing, Ph.D. is not allowing these statistics to inhibit her from rising to the top.
As a former first generation, low–income student herself, Ewing’s fundamental belief is, “education changes lives.” She found stability in the opportunities presented to her while pursuing her education. As a graduate student, Ewing volunteered in “Expanding your Horizons,” a program that empowered women in STEM disciplines. Once she began her career, she discovered a personal path to pioneering programs that enable women in their own disciplines and leadership.
I really do the work because I’ve seen what is possible when students are given the right support and opportunities when doors open for them,” Ewing said. “I wake up every day, driven by the belief that education is a powerful force for good.”
Ewing continues to pave the way for professionals, especially women, through the various leadership roles she presumes at Gannon. Service and initiative fuel Ewing‘s passion, as it presented her with new career opportunities, established her leadership in male–dominated roles, and led her to inspire the next generation of women leaders.
Pursing the Position of Provost
The role of provost was not always on Ewing‘s scope. In 2022–2023, she was in a state of discernment, analyzing the future of her career. The Council of Independent Colleges hosted a Senior Leadership Academy that Ewing participated in with the support of Dr. Iwanenko, who was Gannon’s provost at the time.
“Through [this] experience, what I discerned is I like to be challenged,” Ewing said. “I like to be pushed, I like to think strategically, and I like to have a lot of information, so when you rise in leadership positions you gain access to more information to help inform the decisions that are happening around you.“
Ewing‘s motivation to take on the provost role did not solely stem from the leadership academy.
It also extends from the impact her heartening grandmother had on her. Ewing shared that her grandmother was an intelligent, hardworking woman who pursued a career, until she began a family and quit her job. This was the societal norm at that time; raising a family is a full–time job, limiting the possibilities for women.
“We live in a different world today, and I want to take advantage of every opportunity that opens for me,” Ewing said. “I’ve learned to say yes when that knock on the door happens, so I said yes [to the role of provost] and looked for that opportunity to be challenged and gain in the breadth and way that I could have an impact on the student experience here at Gannon.”
Ewing‘s philosophy of saying ‘yes’ has not always been at the heart of her decision making, though. In the early years of her career, she said ‘no’ to the first two opportunities that were presented to her. It was the support and encouragement from the people she loved that told her “Yes, you can.“ From those defining moments, Ewing has had many new opportunities presented to her, allowing her to break barriers and set herself apart from others.
Overcoming the Gender Gap
In Gannon’s centennial, four out of 12 provosts prior to Ewing were female. A statistic from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA–HR) states that 44% of college or university provosts are female. The position of provost is a demanding job with a full schedule, extended work hours, and off–campus obligations, in addition to personal commitments. Ewing believes provost is still predominantly a male role because, statistically, there are still more men than women who achieve tenure and rank to presume these roles in higher education.
The President’s Leadership Team at Gannon is currently split evenly with both female and male representation. In Ewing‘s career, she has never experienced being treated differently because she is a woman. However, she did express the difficulties she has experienced with the gender pay gap. In all of Ewing’s positions, she has had to negotiate a reasonable salary to adequately align with her work. According to a study from CUPA–HR, on average, a female provost earns 96 cents to the male’s dollar. Ewing knows that the gender pay gap is a prominent issue in every field, and she encourages women to learn how to negotiate their pay and advocate for the salary they deserve. Ewing also acknowledges the support she receives from Gannon’s president, Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D.
“Dr. Iwanenko has always been supportive of us, and I think that speaks a lot.” Ewing said. “I know that’s not true everywhere. I have colleagues who are in the same position at other institutions that have very different experiences, and I can’t speak to their experience specifically, but I would say I know that part of that factor is gender and the ability to speak up and be heard. I’ve never felt like that is an issue here at Gannon.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Leaders
One of Ewing’s first engagements in graduate school was identifying female mentors. They were not necessarily her research or dissertation supervisors, but she relied on them for advice and feedback throughout graduate school. Looking back, Ewing realizes that she is a product of their lived experiences.
“I hope that I can, in any part, be that person and similarly support women who follow my footsteps to lead us into the future,” Ewing said. “First and foremost, it’s important to help women and other minorities feel that they belong and that they are welcome at any table, any conversation, any career or major, to help reinforce anything is possible.”
It is a rather challenging time for women in society, but Ewing is continuing to empower the women around her. She credits her strength to her “go-getter” characteristics and acknowledges that she does not wait for someone to tell her what to do. If she has a problem, needs information, or wants to learn something, she will seek out a solution. Ewing has never let “I don’t know” stop her from moving forward.
Learn to Say ‘Yes’: Advice from the Provost
In her 16 years at Gannon and two years as provost, Ewing has had an everlasting impact on the campus and the women who have come and gone through Gannon’s arch. Through her work, Ewing is establishing a welcoming, supportive community that makes everyone feel welcome.
“My advice is: be authentic, be yourself, know what your values are, stand up for [them], and what you believe in,” Ewing said. “Imposter syndrome is real, and know that many women, and men, but many women experience imposter syndrome. Name it, acknowledge it, it’s okay, and recognize you are not alone. Work to overcome any of your own self-esteem, lack of confidence, or imposter syndrome type tendencies to find ways to believe in yourself when you feel that doubt the most. And last, and what I would say is most important, is learn to say ‘yes.’ When a door opens, walk through.”
To hear more from Sarah Ewing, Ph.D., listen to her interview on 90.5 WERG.
