July 26, 2024

Hello colleagues,

I write to you today with several important updates.

On Tuesday, the university shared the news that the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) has approved W&M’s proposal for a School of Computing, Data Sciences, and Physics. As I’m sure you are all aware, the school will bring together four academic units currently within Arts & Sciences (Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Science and Physics) creating a hub of education and research. This partnership will offer a unique opportunity to study data science and other related sciences in the context of a liberal arts education. It will provide opportunities for growth, discovery, and success in both the new school and Arts & Sciences. Our commitment to supporting and elevating the liberal arts & sciences remains unwavering as we continue to enhance the excellence of all our programs. I look forward to working closely with the school’s leadership through the transition and continuing to partner with them to deliver the unique William & Mary experience to every student. The search for the inaugural dean of the school is ongoing and there are several exciting candidates.
A reminder that a little while ago, the President sent a message to all faculty announcing that Jeremy Martin, Vice President for Strategy & Innovation, would be leaving W&M to become President of Florida Southern University. We are sorry to see him go and wish him all the best in his new position. In the wake of his departure, there have been some reorganizations in senior leadership which I share for your awareness. University Enrollment and Admission now report to the Provost, and University Communications joins University Marketing under the leadership of Matthew Lambert, Senior Vice President for Advancement.
There have also been some organizational changes in Student Affairs. Going forward, there will no longer be a position with the title “Dean of Students.” Instead, the Dean of Students Office and its departments have been re-named and re-structured to build upon existing senior leadership in Student Affairs as follows:
- Wilmarie Rodriguez, as AVP for Student Success, will oversee the departments of Academic Wellbeing, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and Care Support Services;
- Greg Henderson, as AVP for Community Values and Connection and Chief of Staff will oversee the departments of Student Accountability & Restorative Practices (formerly CVRP), Conflict Resolution & Peer Mediation, Gender-Based Violence Resources and Advocacy Services, and Family Engagement (formerly Parent & Family Programs); and
- Anna Mroch, as AVP for Planning, Strategy & Integrative Practices and Director of Assessment will oversee the Center for Student Diversity (CSD) and Office of First Generation Student Engagement.
  
  They join the leaders in the following existing units in the Division of Student Affairs:
- Maggie Evans, AVP for Campus Living, who oversees Business Operations for Housing, Residence Life and STEP;
- Kelly Crace, AVP for Health & Wellness and Director of the Center for Mindfulness & Authentic Excellence (CMAX), overseeing Health & Wellness and Campus Recreation, the Counseling Center, Health Promotion and the Student Health Center; and
- Mike Patterson, AVP for Student Engagement & Leadership, who oversees Civic & Community Engagement, Student Leadership Development, Student Unions & Engagement and Student Veteran Engagement.
  
  Designed to advance the division’s shared vision of creating an engaging learning environment where community is strengthened and individuals flourish, organizational changes like these impact critical campus partners, both in and outside of Student Affairs. Additional information, an organizational chart and message from Senior Vice President Ambler can be found here. Please reach out to any of the leaders listed above with questions, concerns, or ideas for future collaboration. SVP Ambler expresses gratitude for colleagues' support in the coming weeks of transition, opportunity, and growth.

On Thursday, August 15, the Studio for Teaching & Learning Innovation (STLI) is holding Ready, Set, Teach! This semester prep day, designed to help you jumpstart your courses, is held in partnership with STLI, IT, the Office of the Provost and W&M Libraries. With sessions on AI, Blackboard Ultra, accessibility, and other helpful topics, this day provides an opportunity to join your colleagues across campus to get your courses ready for the fall semester. Coffee and lunch are provided for those who register by August 1. You can learn more and register here.

I will spare you all a “below the line” segment this week, but don’t worry: I’m spending the summer exercising my wit and humor and will soon be back to harangue you with more.

Warmly,
Suzanne

Suzanne Raitt
Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Chancellor Professor of English
Pronouns: she/her/hers