Tagged: Messages

I am pleased to share that we have launched a national search for the next vice provost for strategic enrollment management, following the recent departure of James Orr. 

A search advisory committee is being co-chaired by Trevor Brown, senior vice provost for academic affairs and dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and Melissa Shivers, senior vice president for student life. 

I am pleased to share that Erik Porfeli will serve as interim dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) beginning Jan. 1, 2026, pending approval by the Board of Trustees.

As President Carter shared in last week’s State of the University address, the vision outlined in the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan includes a bold agenda for life-changing and life-saving research.

Dear Colleagues, 

Earlier this week, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced that James Orr will become its senior vice provost for undergraduate student success. As Ohio State’s vice provost for strategic enrollment management, James demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Ohio State’s students, and I congratulate him as he pursues his next exciting opportunity.

I write to share that Dr. James Orr, vice provost for strategic enrollment management, has accepted a new role as senior vice provost for undergraduate student success at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). His last day at Ohio State will be July 14.

At UNC, James will connect the dots across the student experience, serving as the strategic leader for all undergraduate student needs from enrollment to graduation. Student affairs, enrollment management, undergraduate education and the academic support program for student-athletes will report directly to James.

Since becoming executive vice president and provost, I have been thoroughly impressed by the professionalism and deep commitment to academic excellence across the Office of Academic Affairs. Each day, our team demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting faculty, students and one another.

The “Advance Ohio Higher Education Act” (Senate Bill 1) was signed by Governor Mike DeWine in March and goes into effect on June 27, though a number of provisions in the bill have delayed effective dates. I write to provide you with an update on where we are with implementation and to share some initial guidance in various areas.

I write to share that, after more than seven years of leadership and service, Don Pope-Davis will step down as dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) on December 31, 2025.

His tenure as dean has been marked by ambitious goals and achievements. For example, Dean Pope-Davis has led several important initiatives that have benefited EHE, including envisioning the renovation of historic Campbell Hall. This facility will provide state-of-the-art research and teaching spaces for the college when its phased opening begins next year.