Maurie McInnis, the former associate dean for undergraduate programs, will serve as the new Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Provost John Simon announced last week.
In addition to serving as an associate dean, McInnis taught American art and material culture in the College. As vice provost, she will advise Simon on academic activities, with a focus on developing inter-school relationships across the University, according to a University release.
“There are so many conversations going on in higher education today about how we do a better job of articulating why the residential learning experience is special,” she said. “For us very particularly at the University of Virginia, we need to pay attention to what we’re doing in undergrad and graduate education, making sure that we provide our students with the richest experience that we can.”
These ideals are grounded in many of the programs that McInnis played a key role in enacting during her time as associate dean. During her tenure she worked to expand the COLA academic program for first-years to allow more than one third of entering students to enroll in one of the advising seminars. She plans to continue building upon these programs in the coming years and improving existing student-faculty interaction.
“I hope that we will be able to continue to expand opportunities for first- and second-year students to work directly with faculty in small class settings,” she said.
McInnis said she also hopes efforts to expand programs allowing innovation within the University curriculum will continue. Two years ago, McInnis helped to begin one such program comprised of new pavilion seminars for third- and fourth-year students.
McInnis enters the vice provost position as the University begins its strategic planning efforts — efforts being overseen by Senior Vice Provost J. Milton Adams, who formerly held the position of vice provost for academic programs. The University’s strategic planning process is slated to continue with a series of public forums this week to evaluate its future.
Also last week, Gov. Bob McDonnell appointed Bill Goodwin to the Board of Visitors. Goodwin previously served as a member on the Board of Visitors from 1996 to 2004 and was appointed as a senior advisor to the board by McDonnell last June. He currently serves as chairman of the holding company CCA Industries, Inc.
Goodwin came into the spotlight in September, after the summer leadership crisis at the University, when he urged both the community and Board members to “leave the past alone” and move forward.
“You are trying to get answers you won’t get,” Goodwin said to Faculty Senate Chair George Cohen. “The more you dig, the more you make the University look bad.”
The statement came after Cohen expressed faculty concerns that the Board had not yet adequately addressed the conflict.
Goodwin will fill the seat vacated by former Board member R.J. Kirk, following the resignation of the pharmaceutical billionaire in October after he moved to Florida.
“It is a true privilege to have someone of Mr. Goodwin’s stature join the Board of Visitors,” Rector Helen Dragas said in a recent statement. “His breadth and depth of experience and wisdom will make a real difference as the University strives for ever higher levels of excellence.”
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