VPAA Leadership Searches
Completed Searches
Dean for the College of Education and Human Development
After a nationwide search, UND Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link, named Dr. Shelbie Witte as the Dean for the College of Education and Human Development. Witte’s appointment starts on July 1, 2024. As the Dean of CEHD, Witte will provide leadership and facilitate an environment for accomplishing strategic goals, as well as aligning the functioning of the College with UND’s broader academic identity and strategic planning. In cooperation with the Provost, Dean Witte will be responsible for academic and administrative planning; budgeting; administration and implementation of department, College and university policies; and fund-raising and external relations. In partnership with the faculty, Dean Witte will be responsible for academic program development and review; faculty recruitment; development and evaluation of faculty; and student relations.
Director of the Honors Program
Merie Kirby has been appointed to the position of Director of the Honors Program at UND, assuming the leadership position on December 16, 2023. As director, Kirby will provide vision and leadership for the program and advocate for excellence in education for all Honors students at UND. She will collaborate with academic units in the development and ongoing creation of Honors courses and work closely with faculty, staff, and advisors to inspire innovative thesis projects and campus-wide understanding of the program. The position reports to the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success, Karyn Plumm.
Deputy CIO
Phil Goldblum has been appointed to the position of Deputy CIO at UND, assuming the leadership position on December 11, 2023. As deputy CIO, Goldblum will support the daily operations of UIT and will contribute to the strategic direction, planning and management of UND Information Technology initiatives. He will work closely with the CIO to develop and implement strategies that align with UND’s goals and objectives while fostering innovation and promoting a culture of technological excellence. The position reports to the CIO, Madhavi Marasinghe.
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.