ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is restructuring its Office of Academic Affairs to enhance faculty and student success. This change includes the creation of two new assistant vice provost positions. These roles will focus on faculty affairs and students' academic success.

Professor Bill Stanley, who has been serving as associate provost for faculty success since January 2020, will end his term in December. He plans to return to his teaching and research duties in the Department of Political Science. In response, UNM will be accepting applications from current faculty members for the newly created positions.

The provost at UNM oversees a broad range of responsibilities including academic programs, graduate affairs, research, teaching, community engagement, and more. The office manages a budget of $650 million and oversees branch campuses in Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos, and Valencia.

Professor Barbara Rodriguez currently serves as senior vice provost for academic affairs. Professor Pamela Cheek is the associate provost for student success, while Stanley holds the position of associate provost for faculty success.

Stanley has led several initiatives during his tenure. These include redesigning orientations for new faculty and creating an award program to recognize outstanding faculty. He also played a role in negotiating UNM’s first collective bargaining agreement with unionized graduate assistants.

“I’d like to thank Bill for his excellent service as associate provost,” said James Holloway, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Our students, faculty, and staff have all benefited greatly from his work.”

Stanley expressed gratitude for his time in the Provost’s Office: “I have learned a lot from the team, and I’m proud of the improvements we’ve made in onboarding new academic employees.” He looks forward to returning to his department and continuing his research on violent conflicts and climate change.

In the restructured organization, Cheek’s role will be retitled as vice provost for student success. The new assistant vice provost for academic success will report to her and join the leadership team of the Office of Academic Affairs.

The successful candidate for this position will help sustain the quality of academic programs and support diverse student needs. Responsibilities include reviewing curricula, supervising key personnel related to assessment and accreditation processes, handling student complaints, and collaborating on student success initiatives.

The assistant vice provost for faculty affairs will report to Senior Vice Provost Rodriguez. This role involves designing and implementing faculty development programs, overseeing mentoring and recognition programs, supporting Counseling Assistance and Referral Services (CARS), Advance at UNM, and the Center for Regional Studies (CRS).

“Growing our senior leadership in the provost’s office will allow us to better maintain and expand our service to the UNM community,” said Holloway. “This also strengthens our succession planning.”

Applicants must hold the rank of full professor at UNM with experience leading a department or university committee. Both positions are 12-month appointments with a start date expected on January 1, 2025. Applications will be posted for 30 days on the Executive Search website.

Questions can be directed to Jennifer Love at jenlov22@unm.edu.