Announcing Appointment of Katharine Cole as VP/Dean of UAA

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 10:23:15 -0400

I am delighted to announce that Dr. Katharine Cole will be joining UMBC as Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs (UAA), effective August 14, 2017.

Dr. Cole’s appointment concludes a successful national search that began last fall. On behalf of the entire campus community, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to all members of the search committee, chaired by Dean Scott Casper, for their hard work and outstanding contribution to the future of UAA, UMBC, and the continued success of our students. I also wish to acknowledge the advice and counsel provided to the search committee by the campus community.

I would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the UMBC community, to acknowledge and thank Interim Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Simon Stacey for his steady guidance and outstanding leadership of the division during this transitional period.

Dr. Cole will join UMBC from the University of Tampa, where for the past five years she has served as the Associate Provost and Dean of Academic Services. Previously, at the University of South Florida, Dr. Cole served as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies from 2010-2012, and between 1998 and 2010 she held positions of increasing responsibility at the University of South Florida, culminating in her appointment as Assistant Dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies.

Dr. Cole received a B.A. in biological sciences from the University of Delaware, an M.A. in zoology from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Ph.D. in pathology from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She was a postdoctoral fellow and a clinical research scientist for the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health and has held faculty positions at University of Maryland, Baltimore, the University of South Florida, and the University of Tampa.

In addition to her extensive experience in research, teaching, and academic administration, Dr. Cole brings with her an outstanding record of leadership in academic affairs, community engagement, and effective participation in shared governance, having made significant contributions to the advancement of student success, advising, and academic standards and integrity in her previous leadership roles.

As Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Dr. Cole will lead the division in offering programs that support the success of all students and deliver a distinctive experience for all undergraduates. She will be responsible for guiding and reviewing curricula, programs, and academic policy and fostering relationships with external partners. As a member of UMBC’s leadership team, Dr. Cole will work collaboratively with colleagues across campus to promote student success and to advance the goals and objectives of UMBC’s strategic plan. She will supervise the planning and budget development activities of the division and its units and programs: the Office of Undergraduate Education, Honors College, Interdisciplinary Studies Program, the Women’s Center, Learning Resources Center, Meyerhoff Scholars Program, and Sherman STEM Teacher Scholars Program.

UMBC is very fortunate to have someone of Dr. Cole’s impressive experience, abilities, and talent to serve as Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, and I know she will be a valuable addition to our campus community.

Please join me in welcoming and supporting Dr. Cole as she transitions into her new role at UMBC.

Provost Philip Rous