A position that is new to the portfolio is the vice provost for strategic initiatives (VPSI). One of the primary responsibilities of this position will be to provide leadership and support across the university community in identifying, developing, implementing, and assessing institutional strategic priorities. I am pleased to announce that we have selected Richard Souvenir, a professor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, and associate dean for graduate affairs and director of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the College of Science and Technology, to serve in this role.
As a researcher and administrator, Richard has used collaboration and consensus-building across academic boundaries to bring those with diverse perspectives together to work more effectively. He will lead strategy that encourages input from across the university community and respects the importance of interdisciplinarity. He will also explore creative ways to partner to advance the university’s strategic priorities and plan for a successful future in the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of higher education.