VPAA Leadership Searches
The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is currently searching for the following leadership positions.
Vice President for Research & Economic Development
UND seeks a dynamic and team-oriented leader who will bring us into this new era and position the University of North Dakota among the top research institutions in the nation, while honoring our tradition of personalized education.
From our six research Grand Challenges to other grant-funded research programs, to individual scholarship, the spirit of discovery and innovation on our campus is central to our mission and a critical element of the new UND LEADS strategic plan. Our vice president for research and economic development will catalyze opportunities for funding, support all academic fields across the campus, connect researchers and across disciplines, and create opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students to grow intellectually.
The search committee is led by Eric Link, vice president for academic affairs and provost, with the support of search consultants from Academic Search. The position is a direct report to the University President and will sit on the President's Executive Council.
Dean for the College of Education and Human Development
The College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) is undergoing a search for a new dean. CEHD is the largest and most comprehensive education college in the state of North Dakota. It is consistently recognized for excellence in on-campus and online professional graduate and undergraduate education and educational research and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report for offering top online Education programs.
The college advances research, teaching and learning through an intentional focus on problem-solving and integration of theory and practice to develop equitable outcomes which foster local and global impacts on a diverse and complex society. The college’s expanded curricular offerings for creative learning and continuing education enhance quality of life for North Dakota citizens.
The CEHD Dean Search Committee is being chaired by Brian Pappas, dean of the UND School of Law, and will be assisted by executive search firm Academic Search in the process. It is anticipated that the next permanent dean will be named by Jan. 1, 2024, or soon thereafter.
Essential Studies Program Director
The Director of Essential Studies provides vision and leadership for this program, and advocates for excellence in general education for all undergraduate students at UND. The Director coordinates the program; collaborates with academic units in the development and ongoing validation of a broad array of Essential Studies courses; works closely with faculty, staff, and advisors to inspire innovative teaching and campus-wide understanding of the program; and communicates the value of the liberal arts and supports student success in interactions with individual students and the larger campus. Working collaboratively, the Director will develop strategic initiatives and promote innovation across the undergraduate Essential Studies curriculum while ensuring its academic quality and integrity. In addition, the Director of Essential Studies provides support and leadership for a variety of initiatives and programs related to the undergraduate experience at UND, and participates, in cooperation with leadership in both Academic and Student Affairs units, in the shaping and leadership of first year experience programs and related student success efforts. The position is a direct report to the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success.
Honors Program Director
The Director of Honors provides vision and leadership, and advocates for excellence in education for all Honors students at UND. The Director coordinates the program; collaborates with academic units in the development and ongoing creation of Honors courses and Honors sections of courses; works closely with faculty, staff, and advisors to inspire innovative thesis projects and campus-wide understanding of the program; and communicates the value of the Honors Program to prospective students. Working collaboratively, the Director will develop strategic initiatives and promote innovation within Honors Program admissions and curriculum while ensuring its academic quality and integrity.
Completed Searches
Interim Dean for the College of Education and Human Development
UND Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link named Cheryl Hunter as the interim dean for the College of Education and Human Development. Hunter assumed her duties on August 16, 2023 and will serve until the permanent dean is named and in place. Should the national search not produce a new dean for CEHD, then the service of the interim dean may be extended at the discretion of the provost. Should the service of the interim dean be projected to extend beyond one full academic year, then the Office of the Provost will solicit performance feedback from faculty and staff in CEHD on the activities and leadership of the interim dean; such feedback will inform any decision to continue the interim appointment beyond one year, should such an extension be necessary.
Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation
After a nationwide search, Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success, Karyn Plumm, named Shane Schellpfeffer as UND’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation. Schellpfeffer’s appointment started on July 3, 2023. As the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation, Schellpfeffer provides leadership for the processes related to assessing the university’s performance relative to its mission, vision, values and strategic goals. He will promote a culture of comprehensive assessment at UND and administrative oversight to UND’s institutional accreditation efforts. The position reports to the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success, Karyn Plumm.
Director of the International Center
Vice Provost of Strategic Enrollment Management, Janelle Kilgore, named Manuela Gabriel as the Director of the International Center. As Director, Gabriel works collaboratively to recruit and retain international students (undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical) to UND and promote international student support initiatives across campus. The position helps facilitate partnerships among University departments, SEVP and other federal agencies and international students to enhance services, understanding, and experiences for all parties involved. The Director oversees visa and immigration processes to determine eligibility and provides information to students and scholars. The position reports to the Vice Provost of Strategic Enrollment Management, Janelle Kilgore.
Dean of Libraries and Information Services
UND Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link named Rebecca Bichel as the new Dean of Libraries and Information Services. Bichel’s appointment started on April 17, 2023. The Dean of Libraries and Information Resources at the University of North Dakota is the chief administrator for the university libraries, chief spokesperson for UND libraries at all levels, and represents UND Libraries to external partners on all local, state, regional, and national initiatives.
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
UND Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link named Randi Lynn Tanglen vice provost for faculty affairs following a national search. Tanglen’s appointment started on Jan. 17, 2023. The vice provost for faculty affairs oversees all aspects of faculty life at the University, including faculty hiring and onboarding, tenure and promotion policy and processes, post-tenure review processes and policy, faculty professional development, leadership training, award and recognition initiatives and other issues related to academic personnel.