Provost Davis announces changes

Since the completion of the Academic and Student Affairs reorganization of colleges, Provost Gayle Davis has reviewed and refined several aspects of ASA administration. She has filled the positions formerly held by John Gracki, Wendy Wenner and Sue Martin. Effective in July 2005, she will move the Advising Resources unit into a direct report line to the Provost's Office and change the leadership title from a Dean to an Assistant Vice President. Finally, she will create an Assessment and Accreditation Officer position which will also report to her. This position was recommended by University Academic Senate, and Dr. Davis agreed with the need, especially given Grand Valley's approaching university re-accreditation review.

The five professors who will assume new roles within the Provost's Office are:

Sue Martin, professor of accounting and former associate vice president, will become executive associate vice president, effective July 1. Martin will resume many of her previous responsibilities in the area of resource management and planning.

Jon Jellema, former dean of Arts and Humanities and current interim AVP, will become associate vice president on July 1. His duties will include continued work focused on current and new physical space use, faculty concerns and initiatives, and special internal and external projects.

Nancy Giardina, professor of movement science and department chair, will become assistant vice president for student issues and policies, curriculum, leadership of the Advisory Council and special projects.

Jean Nagelkerk, professor of nursing, will become assistant vice president with responsibilities for faculty policy initiatives, university governance, and academic standards.

Julia Guevara, professor of social work, will become the assessment and accreditation officer. Guevara will support the work required of the university for its overall and disciplinary accreditation processes, including leadership for program and student outcome assessment.