I am pleased to share two staffing updates in the Office of the Provost.
After serving almost six years as Executive Director of Willamette Academy, Emilio Solano has agreed to take on the role of Assistant Provost for Institutional Equity and Community Engagement.
In this role Emilio will assist in the development and promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives throughout the University; assist Academic Affairs, Institutional Research, and other university units in developing data-driven approaches and strategies to improve campus climate and increase representational diversity; assist the Office of the Provost in addressing equity gaps through accreditation, budgeting, and academic planning and policy; and assist in building relationships and strategic partnerships in the Salem/Keizer and Portland communities. Emilio will also collaborate with faculty and staff across all campuses to engage in approaches to promote a sense of belonging in the university for all, particularly among community members from underrepresented groups.
Additionally, Emilio will organize and chair a university-wide DEI committee that will encourage and promote policies, programs, and efforts that recognize, respect and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout all schools and campuses.
Christine Shanaberger is now Assistant Provost of Academic Planning and Accreditation after serving as Director of Foundation Relations for six years and most recently as Assistant to the Provost for Cross University Programs.
In this role, Christine will work in collaboration with colleagues across the university to sustain University integration around academic planning, accreditation, and policies in support of the University’s mission and strategic priorities. Specifically, Christine will coordinate across the university's academic and operational units to incorporate measurable academic components into the University’s Strategic Plan; work with stakeholders to develop academic programs that enhance student learning and attract new student audiences, including developing and shepherding processes for cross-university academic program development and processes for co-curricular centers and non-degree programs; and work to ensure alignment between cross-university academic, fiscal, and facilities policy and planning.
Christine will also oversee the Office of Grants and Strategic Initiatives and will serve as Willamette’s Accreditation Liaison Officer.
We are excited to have these two talented individuals in the Office of the Provost.