In the hopes of advancing excellence in undergraduate education, the University has created a new position to be filled by Karen Sprague, a University biology professor. Sprague will begin her role as the University’s first vice provost for undergraduate studies on July 1.
“The position developed out of a campus-wide effort known as the Process for Change,” Provost and Academic Vice President John Moseley said.
The Process for Change is a grassroots organization that began about four years ago when students, staff and faculty came together to address new ways to create a more flexible, student- centered model of education.
“The project was prompted by the coming of millennium to start thinking about change,” said Sprague.
Sprague became involved in the Process for Change two years ago when she began directing the University Task Force on Undergraduate Education. The Task Force implemented a number of new programs, including building scholarship funds and increasing student opportunities for real-world experience through internships, research and community service projects.
In her new role, Sprague will use her past experience and know-how to oversee academic advising, multicultural affairs, student retention programs and the implementation of undergraduate programs developed through the Process for Change.
“One of my main goals is to improve the freshman year,” Sprague said. “I believe that we as an institution can do better to get students started their first year.”
The campus environment is another area where Sprague believes more attention should be focused.
“We need to create a diverse community by making efforts to bring diverse people here,” Sprague said, “then we need to get these people to start talking.”
As vice provost for undergraduate studies, Sprague will work with and be advised by the University’s Undergraduate Council.
“The council is very excited about this new position,” said Jim Long, previous Undergraduate Council Chair. “This position offers us a partnership and a point person who can take the ideas offered and flesh them through.”
The new position is a step in helping to provide even more opportunities for undergraduates at the University.
“This appointment underscores our commitment to offering the best possible undergraduate education,” Moseley said. “Karen Sprague brings to this position not only an innovative can-do approach to teaching, but terrific experience in teaching and research as a leader of the undergraduate task force in our Process for Change project.”