As we are about to launch our fall semester—rested and refreshed (!)—I want to share some updates with you about new appointments in academic affairs.

Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

The UTA Faculty Senate urged me to fill the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs position to ensure that faculty matters were adequately addressed. After a national search that brought a number of strong candidates to campus, I am delighted to report that Dr. Antoinette Sol, Professor of Modern Languages, received a resounding endorsement by the search advisory committee and that she has accepted the position. Toni, as she is known across campus, is perfect for the job; she has a long and distinguished career at UTA as a faculty member, serving as chair for the department of modern languages as well as chair of the Faculty Senate. She is a quick study and will provide energetic leadership in matters important to faculty. Please join me in welcoming Toni to her new role.

Honors College

Esteemed and talented dean of the Honors College Karl Petruso is stepping down after eight years of dedicated, committed leadership. Karl will take leave for one year to prepare to return to the classroom and his teaching specialty of sociology and anthropology. A respected scholar and academic, we are pleased to be able to continue to access Karl’s excellence on behalf of UTA, just in a different role. Thank you, Karl, for your leadership and contributions to Honors College.

Associate Dean of Honors College Kevin Gustafson, who has taken the lead in service learning for the university and chaired the undergraduate curriculum committee, will serve as Interim Dean of the college.

College of Business

Chandra Subramaniam, most recently Associate Dean for Students and Programs, has been appointed as Interim Dean for the College of Business. An Accounting professor and past chair of the Accounting Department, Chandra led the recent successful accreditation effort, and is highly respected by peers and students.

I hope you will join me in thanking and congratulating these talented and accomplished professionals and supporting them in their new roles.

The beginning of fall marks the close of my first year at UTA and my first semester serving as provost of this great university. I want to express my deepest thanks for the support and patience of the entire UTA family as I have ‘learned the ropes’ of this growing urban research university. It has been an exhilarating time, and I look forward to working even more productively with all of you as we continue our journey.

The fall begins with anticipation as we welcome over 50 new stellar faculty members and the largest student body in UTA history. Please reach out and assist anyone on campus who appears lost or puzzled—that’s the Maverick Way!