Nicole S. Sampson, University of Rochester interim provost, recently announced organizational changes to better support the implementation of the Boundless Possibility strategic plan. “The dissolution of AS&E has provided important opportunities to fulfill the One University vision and to reimagine elements of our academic enterprise,” Sampson said. “While some of those changes are operational and specific to single departments and units, others are broader in scope and designed to enable the vision of One University moving in concert to support academic excellence and student success.”
Among the changes announced is the creation of the new senior vice provost for academic excellence position, and the termination of the College serving as administrative body for academic services and student life.
“After thorough research and analysis, we determined that academic excellence and student success could best be achieved through an institution-wide approach led by a senior vice provost,” Sampson says. The senior vice provost for academic excellence will work in parallel and collaboratively with John Blackshear, vice president for university student life. A search for the senior vice provost will begin soon. A full description of the position is available on the University of Rochester Leadership Searches website.
According to Sampson, the implementation of this unified position helps guarantee that undergraduate students will continue to have flexibility in pursuing their educational journeys through the Rochester Curriculum, and that all undergraduate and graduate students will be able to access the support units that will comprise the portfolio of the senior vice provost.
With these changes, the functions and responsibilities of the dean of the College will no longer meet the needs of the institution. As a result, Jeff Runner has announced that he will be stepping down from his roles as dean of the College and as vice provost and university dean of undergraduate education at the end of the calendar year and returning to the faculty, where he is looking forward to being back in the classroom and continuing his research.
“During his tenure as vice provost and dean, Jeff has been a consummate colleague and a tireless champion of student diversity, belonging, and success,” says Sampson. “His dedication to scholarship and equity, diversity, and inclusion have helped create a vibrant academic community where students feel they truly belong. I know that you join me in thanking Jeff for his many contributions, and for all he has done to uphold our Meliora values as we move into the next phase of our Boundless Possibility strategic plan.”
Runner also helped lead the University’s reaccreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, worked to create the Basic Needs Hub to offer support for students needing funding for books, supplies, winter clothing and other necessities, and bolstered critical academic support for undergraduate students on the River Campus.
More information regarding the senior vice provost position who will be tasked with supporting the University’s entire academic enterprise will be communicated soon.