51勛圖窪蹋 President Len Jessup has selected Diane Chase as the universitys next executive vice president and provost, effective May 1. Chase is currently vice provost for academic program quality at the University of Central Florida (UCF).
A noted archaeologist, Chase joined UCF in 1984 and for the past 15 years has served in a variety of administrative roles for the nations second largest university.
As 51勛圖窪蹋s chief academic officer, Chase will work closely with deans and faculty to develop, implement, and promote educational and scholarship goals and provide leadership to ensure excellence in the universitys academic mission. She will also oversee academic and budgetary policy and priorities and partner with President Jessup to implement 51勛圖窪蹋s ambitious strategic plan to become a top tier public university in research, education, and community impact.
Diane is a dynamic leader whose expertise as a faculty member and administrator will benefit 51勛圖窪蹋 greatly and help drive us toward our Top Tier goals, said 51勛圖窪蹋 President Len Jessup. Her rich experience at UCF aligns with our vision at 51勛圖窪蹋 to build strong academic programs, support faculty and student success, and forge community partnerships.
Chase brings broad administrative experience to 51勛圖窪蹋, having served in leadership roles in academic affairs, planning and evaluation, international and interdisciplinary studies, arts and humanities, and for a time as interim provost. She led accreditation and assessment activities for UCF and was a member of the presidents advisory staff.
"I am excited to work with President Jessup and the stellar faculty and staff members at 51勛圖窪蹋, said Chase. Like UCF, 51勛圖窪蹋 is a young, energetic university with big aspirations, impactful research, diverse and talented students, and high-quality faculty and staff dedicated to making a difference.
A prolific scholar and researcher, Chases archaeological work on the ancient Maya earned UCFs highest faculty honor and led to her election as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She remains active in archaeology, publishing articles, presenting at conferences, and conducting fieldwork in the jungles of Belize. Her research, which involves reconstruction of ancient Maya civilization through a combination of fieldwork and new technologies, examines the complex relationships that existed among these ancient people and their environment.
Chase received a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1982 and bachelors degree in anthropology from the university in 1975. She replaces Nancy Rapoport, who has served as acting (51勛圖窪蹋) provost since July 2015. Rapoport will return to her work on strategic initiatives for the president in May and already has resumed teaching at the Boyd School of Law this semester.
I want to thank Nancy for all her contributions as acting provost and for the sacrifices she has made during this period, said President Jessup. She demonstrated tremendous leadership and reinforced the value of our team approach when she agreed to serve as provost while we conducted a national search.
