Leadership Structure Update

Colleagues,

Last fall, we concluded a year-long strategic planning refresh process and shared our updated strategic goals at the Board of Regents meeting in November. As I shared in my recent State of the University address and in the refreshed plan, our key areas of strategic focus include elevating the campus experience, increasing enrollment, developing a thriving research enterprise and focusing on our modified third destination – to be an innovative place to work, learn and discover.

As we continue on our trajectory, now is an important time to align our leadership structure to successfully support our strategic destinations and key areas of emphasis. Going forward, there will be two executive vice presidents as members of the President’s Cabinet, one for Academic Affairs and one for Business Affairs. 

Effective immediately, Veronica Salazar will assume the position of Executive Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Enterprise Development Officer. Dr. Heather Shipley will assume the position of Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. As announced last June, we plan to launch a national search for the permanent Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs position later this semester.

Moving to a leadership structure with two executive vice presidents is a model used at many of our current peer institutions as well as within similar institutions in Texas. As my role naturally continues to expand with a focus on fundraising and external partnerships, this structure serves to further strengthen the collaboration happening across all divisions.

As we proceed with this change in structure, I want to express my deep gratitude to Executive Vice Presidents Salazar and Shipley for their leadership.

With appreciation,

Taylor Eighmy
President