Floyd moves toward completing leadership team

PULLMAN — President Elson S. Floyd has moved toward completing his leadership team, naming two new administrators — a vice president for information services and a vice president for enrollment management.

Viji Murali (Mer-ahl-e), who has served as vice president for information technology and chief information officer for Western Michigan University since 1999, will assume the role of vice president for information services and chief information officer at WSU. John Fraire, currently the associate vice president for enrollment management at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., is WSU’s new vice president for enrollment management.

Floyd said his only remaining top-level appointment will be for the position of vice president for university development and head of the WSU Foundation, which he expects to make as soon as possible.

“Both Viji Murali and John Fraire are experienced and innovative leaders,”
said Floyd, who worked with both during his tenure as president of Western Michigan University. “It is important for us as a university to have an outstanding IT infrastructure for our students, faculty and staff. It is also vital for us to provide access to a diverse group of academically excellent students. These two people will be instrumental in those efforts.”

At Western Michigan University, Murali is responsible for academic and administrative computing, convergent technologies (telecommunications, wired and wireless networks, VoIP, video), distance learning technologies, the campus computer store as well as strategic planning and policy development for the IT enterprise.

“I am excited to be part of this great university and I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead WSU’s information technology division. President Floyd has a vision that integrates information technology strategically with the university’s mission that I find very compelling. I am especially thrilled to be part of his team again,” Murali said.

Under her leadership, in January 2002, WMU became the largest public research university to be completely wireless. In October 2005, she was honored with the “visionary award” for excellence in technology by the governor of Michigan.

Before moving to WMU, Murali held several administrative positions at the University of Arizona from 1987 to 1999. She holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Arizona, a master’s in organic chemistry and a bachelor’s in biology and chemistry, all from Osmania University in India.

Murali will replace Mary Doyle, who formerly held dual roles as vice president for information systems and vice provost for administration. On June 1, Doyle became vice provost for academic planning, budget and resource management.

Fraire’s position will oversee and coordinate all aspects of admissions, financial aid and scholarships and registration. Fraire also will be actively engaged in outreach and recruiting efforts.

“I am thrilled about coming to Washington State University. It is an outstanding institution with a clear commitment to academic excellence and providing access and service to a diverse group of students,” Fraire said.

“I know Dr. Floyd believes in these goals and I look forward to helping him advance them at Washington State University.”

Enrollment services previously was part of academic affairs, reporting to the provost. James Roche, associate vice provost for enrollment services, and the other members of the enrollment services team will now report to Fraire.

Fraire was dean of admissions at Western Michigan University from 1997 to 2005. Previously, he was the director of admissions at Brooklyn College/City University of New York, and director of admissions at Pace University (New York City). He began his career at Harvard University as an admissions officer; he helped establish Harvard’s successful minority recruitment programs.

Fraire earned a bachelor’s degree in government and a master’s in education from Harvard University, a master’s in history from Western Michigan University and currently is pursuing his doctorate at the Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Fraire is a published playwright and is the founder and former executive director of the New Latino Visions Theatre Company in Kalamazoo, Mich. His first play, “Who Will Dance With Pancho Villa?” which was co-authored with his brother Gabriel Fraire, was produced by the Castillo Theatre in New York City in 1994. Since then they have written and produced several plays, screenplays and other theatrical performances.

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