Leadership Transition in Academic Affairs

Dear campus community,

I am writing to share that, after years of service as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jaimie Hebert will step down from his role, effective July 1. He will return to the faculty as a professor in the Department of Mathematics in the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.

Dr. Hebert has served as provost since 2018, providing steady leadership during one of the most important periods in the University’s history. During that time, he strengthened the academic mission, championed excellence in teaching and learning, and helped position the University for continued growth and impact.

Under his leadership, the University launched academic programs, expanded online offerings and created new pathways for students to complete their degrees.

Dr. Hebert also played an important role in the work that led to the University’s Carnegie R1 designation — a milestone that reflects the strength of our research enterprise and the collective efforts of faculty, staff and leadership across the institution.

Last year, as interim president, Dr. Hebert led the University during a period that required clarity, discipline and decisive action. He confronted significant financial challenges directly and helped stabilize the institution through a focus on transparency, accountability and shared responsibility.

I am grateful for Dr. Hebert’s leadership, his service to his alma mater and his continued commitment to the University.

Following his transition on July 1, Dr. Dianne Olivier will serve as interim provost while a search is conducted for a permanent successor.

Since joining the University in 2007, Dr. Olivier has served as professor and endowed chair in Educational Foundations and Leadership, associate dean of the College of Education & Human Development, and associate vice president for Academic Affairs and vice provost. She also brings decades of experience in K–12 administration.

Dr. Olivier's deep understanding of our academic culture and her student success-centered leadership at the undergraduate and graduate levels will be invaluable as she assumes her new role.

Please join me in thanking Dr. Hebert for his many contributions to the University and in wishing him well in this next chapter.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ramesh Kolluru
President