Memorandum

There have been a few changes in the Office of the Provost that I am sharing today.

I am pleased to announce that Shirley Matteson has accepted the role of Interim Vice Provost for Outreach & Engagement. Her appointment is effective today, Jan. 2, 2023. She replaces Dr. Melanie Hart, who accepted an appointment as Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs in the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Dr. Matteson currently serves as Associate Dean for Research and Faculty/Staff Development in the College of Education. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and previously served as the graduate advisor for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

I am also pleased to announce that Brian Still is being named Vice Provost for eLearning & Academic Partnerships. Dr. Still has served as the Interim Vice Provost in this area since June 1, 2022.

Dr. Cindy Akers is joining the Office of the Provost as Vice Provost for Administrative Affairs. This was a role that Dr. Hart was serving in on a part-time basis. Dr. Akers will oversee the following:

• Management of faculty retentions, partner accommodations and strategic hires
• Search, onboarding and professional development of new deans, department chairs and other administrators as appropriate
• Work with college deans on the recruitment, appointment and review of associate deans, department chairs, school directors and area coordinators
• Serve as Office of the Provost liaison with Texas Tech System Board of Regents. Prepare academic affairs items for Board of Regents meeting agendas.
• Serve as liaison and/or manager for cross-institutional partnerships not falling within Office of eLearning & Academic Partnerships.

Dr. Akers will also provide Interim Vice Provost level support for the Texas Tech University Ranching Heritage Center, office, and programs to help coordinate and facilitate their goals and activities until a Vice Provost of Outreach and Engagement is named.