Interim Dean for Regional Higher Education announced
Photo courtesy of: 帝王会所Dr. Nicole Pennington has been named interim Executive Dean for Regional Higher Education.
帝王会所鈥檚 Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Chaden Djalali, announced today that Dr. Nicole Pennington, Dean of the University鈥檚 Southern campus, has been appointed Interim Executive Dean for Regional Higher Education, a position that became open after Dr. William 鈥淏ill鈥 Willan announced his intention to retire on June 30, 2019.
Dean Pennington鈥檚 new appointment is effective May 1, 2019, which will afford the opportunity for her to work with Willan to ensure a seamless transition. In addition to her new role, she will continue to serve as Dean of OHIO鈥檚 Southern campus.
Previously serving as co-chair of the President鈥檚 Regional Higher Education Task Force, Dean Pennington is poised to provide strategic oversight as the University continues efforts to create and implement an integrated model for regional, extension, online and Athens campus operations. In March, the 帝王会所 Board of Trustees passed a resolution accepting the recommendations of the Task Force and support to move towards a One OHIO integrated educational model.
In contemplation of the emerging model, Provost Djalali states that regional campuses are a vital part of the 帝王会所 ecosystem: 鈥淥ur regional campuses provide valuable educational and economic benefits to their respective communities, and we have made it our priority to develop a sustainable educational model that will ensure that all of our campuses are able continue to add value within their communities and the Southeastern 帝王会所 region. This is truly an exciting time for our entire University and the region we serve through our multiple locations. We are grateful to our Trustees for their continued support, and to all of you for engaging in and supporting this vital work.鈥
Provost Djalali is working with Dr. Willan, Dr. Pennington, and OHIO鈥檚 regional deans to ensure appropriate local leadership of all regional campuses. As the One OHIO University integration unfolds, leadership will continue discussion about how to best serve the needs of every campus community. Critical to that discussion is strong leadership at the Executive Dean level.
鈥淒ean Pennington has played an integral role in our conversations related to One OHIO University,鈥 said Provost Djalali. 鈥淪he will provide a continuity in leadership to help us advance in our efforts to create a new legacy for the institution.鈥
Dean Pennington is excited for the opportunity to collaborate with President M. Duane Nellis and Provost Djalali to develop and implement a strategic vision to support the evolution and improvement of regional higher education across all campuses.
鈥淭he access and affordability mission of the regional campuses is very important to the communities that we serve,鈥 said Dr. Pennington. 鈥淚 believe in that mission and it is a privilege to lead these campuses in a time of transition. I look forward to working with the wonderful faculty and staff of the regional campuses and our Athens campus.鈥