As part of a renewed emphasis on student success and retention, the Office of the Provost is launching an internal search for a vice provost for undergraduate education. This role will provide leadership for undergraduate curricula and related academic policies, while advancing cross-unit initiatives that strengthen the quality, accessibility, and coherence of the undergraduate experience. A key priority will be partnering with deans, department chairs, and directors to ensure WSU students have access to relevant and emerging technologies in the classroom and are equipped to thrive in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
Many of the responsibilities within this portfolio are currently held by Bill Davis, vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement and WSU’s accreditation liaison officer (ALO).
“Through the work we’re doing with NISS [the National Institute for Student Success], general education reform, and the retention council, it became clear that the portfolio was too broad for the level of dedicated focus our students need,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman. “I am grateful for Bill’s leadership and thankful that he will continue overseeing our accreditation processes and work around education policies.”
I am grateful for Bill’s leadership and thankful that he will continue overseeing our accreditation processes and work around education policies.
Chris Riley-Tillman, provost and executive vice president
Washington State University
Following the successful search for the incoming vice provost for undergraduate education, Bill Davis will assume the role of vice provost for accreditation and education policies.
The vice provost for undergraduate education will partner closely with deans, Faculty Senate, and student support units, including Student Affairs, which joined the Office of the Provost one year ago.
“This move allows us to better support students throughout their entire lifecycle at WSU, ultimately strengthening retention and degree completion rates,” said Riley-Tillman.
One of the vice provost’s immediate priorities will be overseeing implementation of the NISS playbook for WSU. The playbook’s recommendations are expected to be finalized and released in September.
More information about the Office of the Provost’s full portfolio is available on its website.
