As you know, we began a process a few months ago to fill the leadership gaps left in the Office of Academic Innovation (OAI) by the departure of Vice President Sukhwant Jhaj and Director Johannes DeGruyter. I am pleased to let you know that Michelle Giovannozzi has accepted our offer to step into that gap and become the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation.
As we continue to adapt to the changing landscape brought on by the pandemic, the university will look to OAI to lead our efforts to meet the changing needs of our students, faculty, and the communities we serve.
Michelle brings a powerful skill set to this new role. The report from the search committee emphasized Michelle's ability to combine visionary thinking with on-the-ground management capabilities. Her strong history of collaboration and innovation makes her a perfect match for OAI, which stands as a model for the university in collaborative and innovative work.
Michelle has been at PSU since 2015, serving as Director of the Center for Professional and Executive Education. In that role, she oversaw the design and development of new curricula and certificate programs that resulted in increased enrollment in PSU's non-credit programs and increased revenue to the university. Prior to coming to PSU, Michelle served as Director of Economic Development and Partnerships and Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships at Clark College in Vancouver, WA.
In all of these roles, Michelle has proved herself to be an innovative and collaborative leader who has a proven track record of partnership and high-quality service delivery.
I want to thank the members of the search committee for their effective work in identifying such a strong candidate. The committee, chaired by Dean of the Graduate School Rossitza Wooster, included the following members: Talya Bauer (SBA), Lisa Hawash (SSW), Laura Hickman (CUPA), Angela Jackson (Center for Entrepreneurship), Paul Loikith (CLAS and Graduate School Council), Scott Robison (OAI), and Janelle DeCarrico Voegele (OAI). I am grateful to all of them for their hard work in this important process. I am also grateful to all of you who participated in and provided feedback throughout this process.
Michelle will begin her new appointment on November 15. I know you will join me in congratulating her on this new role.
Susan Jeffords
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Portland State University
