ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Interim Provost Michael D. Johnson today announced a new alignment for several key academic units to promote student success and strengthen the university’s academic enterprise.

The moves include ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s national-model DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ program and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Global, which among other responsibilities, manages international student recruitment, English language programs for students and the community, and international partnerships in education, research and business.

Other aspects of the realignment involve units that impact online student services, faculty training and development, and continuing education for working professionals.

β€œAt ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, we strive for constant improvement,” Johnson says. β€œThese changes allow us to continue our focus on student success and the student experience.”

The reorganization by the Division of Academic Affairs will unfold throughout September with the following units and offices:

  • DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Connect Centers move to the Division of Student Learning and Academic Success, reporting to Theodorea Regina Berry, vice provost of Student Learning and Academic Success and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies;
  • ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Global moves to the Office of the Provost, reporting to Tim Letzring, senior associate provost for Academic Affairs;
  • ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Online Connect Center and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Continuing Education move to the Division of Digital Learning, reporting to Tom Cavanagh, vice provost for Digital Learning;
  • Office of Instructional Resources Classroom Support, Engineering, Programming and Project Management teams move to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Information Technology, reporting to Michael Sink, interim vice president and CIO.

The transitions for DirectConnect to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Connect Centers and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Global coincide with the Oct. 1 retirement of Jeff Jones, vice provost for ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Connect and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Global. Johnson praised Jones for his impactful work during his seven years at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ and for his suggestions and insights regarding the overall realignment.

β€œThe possibilities for this reimagining are exciting,” Johnson said. β€œAs we move forward, success relies on the creativity and collaboration of our staff, faculty and partners.”