Colleagues,
I am pleased to share that RJ Hinde, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Professor of Chemistry, has agreed to serve as interim executive dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Before joining the Provost’s Office in 2015, Dr. Hinde served as the college’s associate dean for academic programs. He is an expert in curriculum, having worked closely with faculty across campus to create new academic programs, and has extensive experience as a college and campus leader in all matters related to instruction.
RJ has been a member of the university’s budget allocation model (BAM) steering committee and co-chairs the university space committee. He has also been instrumental in the launch and growth of the Office of Online Learning and Academic Programs, which supports colleges and academic units on all work related to online education.
I am delighted RJ has agreed to guide the college during the pilot period of a new divisional structure.
Dr. Hinde’s interim appointment will begin November 1, and he will focus on implementation of the new divisional structure to be launched in July 2023. Dean Theresa M. Lee will continue as CEO of the college until she steps down as dean in June 2023, coordinating closely with Dr. Hinde while managing the college’s existing operations under its current structure. Dr. Hinde will then assume interim leadership of the college under its new divisional structure. He will remain in that role until the pilot divisional structure has been assessed.
One of Dr. Hinde’s first responsibilities will be to appoint committees to recommend internal candidates for the deans for the three new divisions: Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Sciences.
I am also in the process of appointing an interim replacement for Dr. Hinde in his role as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and will share updates as soon as a decision is finalized.
Please join me in congratulating RJ on his new role. His leadership in the Office of the Provost will be greatly missed, but I am excited about the work he will do to serve the students, faculty, and staff members in the College of Arts and Sciences.
John Zomchick
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor