Sia will play a pivotal role in the continued growth and success of the University’s academic offerings.
Elaine Sia has been appointed the inaugural senior vice provost for academic excellence at the University of Rochester, effective January 1. In this new role, Sia will be responsible for advancing the University’s academic mission by working closely with faculty, deans, and other senior leadership to strengthen the quality and impact of the University’s academic programs, research, and student success initiatives.
Sia is a professor in the Department of Biology and currently serves as the associate dean of academic affairs for the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. She is known for her contributions to genetics education and research on mitochondrial DNA and comes to this role with a distinguished career in academic leadership and higher education administration. She brings a wealth of experience in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, supporting faculty development, and leading initiatives that enhance the academic environment.
As senior vice provost, Sia will play a pivotal role in the continued growth and success of the University’s academic offerings, furthering our commitment to excellence and innovation.
“I am thrilled to welcome Elaine Sia to our leadership team as senior vice provost for academic excellence,” says Interim Provost Nicole Sampson. “Her vision, academic acumen, and deep commitment to faculty and student success make her the ideal person to lead this critical area of our institution. Elaine’s leadership will be instrumental in furthering the University’s academic goals, advancing excellence across disciplines, and creating a more inclusive and dynamic academic community.”
Since joining the University in 2000, Sia has been a pivotal figure in the academic community. She has taught nearly 4,000 undergraduates with a philosophy that emphasizes understanding the experimental basis of scientific knowledge, encouraging students to explore not just what we know but also how we know it. In 2021, Sia received the Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. She has served on numerous school and University-level committees and is currently a member of the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) Abroad Curriculum Committee and the IES Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Steering Committee.
Throughout her career, Sia has been recognized for her dedication to teaching and mentorship. She has been described as approachable, supportive, and committed to student success, often making herself available for discussions outside of class. Her efforts to enhance laboratory components of introductory courses have provided students with essential hands-on experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. “I am honored to accept this position and to work alongside such a talented and dedicated community of scholars, faculty, and students,” says Sia. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the University to build on its strong academic foundation and help shape its future trajectory. Together, we will continue to drive innovation in teaching, research, and the overall student experience—and foster an environment where every member of the university can thrive.”
Sia earned a bachelor of science in biological sciences from Michigan State University and completed a PhD in microbiology at Columbia University in 1994. Following her doctorate, she conducted postdoctoral research in the biology department at Columbia University and at the University of North Carolina. Sia’s research has focused on the replication, repair, and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Her work has provided insights into the unique requirements of this subcellular genome, utilizing genetic and molecular techniques to identify proteins involved in mtDNA stability.
