Dr. Christine Rener serves as Vice Provost for Instructional Development and Innovation, Director of the Robert and Mary Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center and Professor of Chemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology from Northwestern University and her B.S. in Biochemistry from Michigan State University. Christine joined GVSU in 2009. In addition to her leadership of the Center and support of faculty of all disciplines and ranks, Dr. Rener contributes strategic thinking and collaborative action to university-wide initiatives related to student retention and success, faculty thriving, active and experiential learning, wellness, and equity-minded practices.

Prior to joining GVSU, Dr. Rener served in roles including Director of Faculty Development, Director of Assessment, Higher Learning Commission Self-Study Coordinator, and Professor of Chemistry. As part of her commitment to lifelong learning and leadership development, Dr. Rener participated in the HERS Leadership Institute in 2013 and completed a Fellowship in the Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership in 2022-2023.

Her scholarly contributions in the area of educational development include authorship in 2022 of the book Midcourse Correction for the College Classroom: Putting Small Group Instructional Diagnosis to Work with two collaborators at Colby College in Maine. Dr. Rener is actively involved in the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD Network), receiving the Bob Pierleoni Spirit of POD Award in 2021. Following service on the Board of Directors, Dr. Rener was elected as President of the POD Network for 2024-2025.