Interim dean appointed for University College; search for new vice provost enters final stages

Cyndi Banks, associate vice provost and associate dean for University College, has been selected to serve as interim dean of University College until the formal search for the dean launches this fall. Her appointment begins July 1.

Provost Laura Huenneke appointed Banks after seeking interested candidates across the campus community in late spring.

Karen Pugliesi, current vice provost for academic affairs and dean of University College, will assume her new role as dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences on July 1.

This decision represents the next stage in formalizing the independent status of the University College and separating the duties of vice provost and dean of University College. The Army and Air Force ROTC programs now will report to University College. The Office of the Registrar, eLearning Center, Office of Curriculum Learning Design and Academic Assessment and NAU Professional Educational Programs will continue to report to the Office of the Vice Provost. The University Honors Program will report to the provost.

The search for the new vice provost of Academic Affairs is in the final stages. Huenneke expects to make a formal appointment announcement shortly after the July Fourth holiday.