Structure of Division of Student Academic Affairs refined

The structure of the new Division of Student Academic Affairs has been refined to create a simpler organization with three focus areas: enrollment management, teaching and learning, and student life.

This summer, the Division of Student Academic Affairs consolidated three of Purdue's administrative units -- Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Housing and Food Services -- into one unit with six areas of focus. Upon his arrival at Purdue, Deba Dutta, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, requested an evaluation of the division to ensure organizational effectiveness.

Input came from a review team consisting of:

* Joan Fulton, associate department head and professor of agricultural economics, and liaison to the University Senate.

* Chris Ladisch, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.

* Chris Martin, director of business managers.

* Bobby Haddix, president of Purdue Student Government.

* Steve Abel, associate vice president for engagement.

* Tony Hawkins, dean of students (retired).

"As a result of their thoughtful input -- and that of many others – we are refining the structure to create a simpler organization that enhances student success, and increases operational efficiency leading to cost reduction, as outlined in President Daniels' original charge," Dutta says.

Now, instead of having six areas, the division will be divided into three: enrollment management, teaching and learning, and student life. A chart showing the refined organizational structure is available here. Under the new structure:

* Pam Horne, associate vice provost of enrollment management and dean of admissions, now will report directly to the provost. Horne formerly reported to the vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs. Her duties will remain the same.

* Frank Dooley, interim vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs, will become interim vice provost for teaching and learning. The position will be responsible for converging the curriculum, advising, faculty, academic and career support to provide a learning atmosphere in support of all academic programs and academic excellence for all students.

* Beth McCuskey, associate vice president for housing and food services, will take on the role of interim vice provost for student life. McCuskey will be responsible for emphasizing the lifelong benefit of an educational experience through environments, culture, people and programs.

Search committees to identify internal candidates for the two interim positions will be announced in the near future.

Moving forward, Dutta says, the division will focus on operational efficiency and collaboration across four themes: leadership development; arts, culture and ideas; human resources for student employment; and efforts supporting the Gallup-Purdue Index.