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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Advisory Committee for Interim EVCAA

Dear Campus Community:

I am writing to inform you that I will soon appoint an advisory committee to assist me with the selection of an Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. After deciding to extend the search for this position, I asked Vice Chancellor Vince Magnuson if he were interested in continuing to serve in his current position until a new Vice Chancellor was identified. Vince declined this opportunity, and I support his decision. He has agreed to remain as Vice Chancellor through July 31, 2011. This provides me additional time to identify an interim, and it helps ensure a smooth transition in the administrative reorganization of our vice chancellor units.

The Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will begin his or her duties on August 1, 2011 and will remain in this role until a new Executive Vice Chancellor is named. After I consult with the advisory committee, I will inform you of the next steps in choosing the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

In addition, I would like to inform you that I am beginning a search for a Director of External Affairs. Lucy Kragness, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, will chair this search, and the search committee will be named soon. Last fall I announced that I was considering establishing this new position as a result of Vice Chancellor Greg Fox's retirement and the reorganization of the Office of University Relations. As I stated last fall, Bill Wade's title changes to Vice Chancellor for Advancement, and he will continue to oversee development, alumni relations, intercollegiate athletics and KUMD-FM Radio. The new Director of External Affairs will be responsible for media and public relations, community relations, government relations, marketing and communication, publications, and photography.

Best wishes for a wonderful summer!

Chancellor Black


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Campus Action Plan Approved

May 24, 2011

Dear Campus Community:

I am pleased to inform you that I am approving the Campus Action Plan, which accompanies UMD's new Strategic Plan. The Campus Action Plan was recommended by the UMD Strategic Planning Steering Committee on April 29, 2011. A few changes were made to the plan as a result of comments members of the campus community submitted over the past few weeks. The approved version of the Campus Action Plan is available on the UMD Strategic Planning web site. The link is: http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/planning/

Thank you again for your input and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Black


Thursday, May 19, 2011

EVCAA Search Announcement

May 19, 2011


Dear UMD Community,


Thank you for participating in the search process for the new Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. After meeting with the search committee members, other members of the UMD campus community, and colleagues from outside the university, I have decided to extend the search. The search firm will place new advertisements for the position, and the process of gathering nominations and applications will continue over the summer, with the intention of hiring a new vice chancellor this fall semester.


It is important for me to emphasize that this is not a failed search, but a continuation of the excellent work that the search committee has already accomplished. Four qualified candidates interviewed for the position, and there was not a strong campus consensus about any of the applicants. We have learned throughout the search process and now have a better idea of campus needs. It has been 16 years since we have searched for a new chief academic administrator, and I believe it is important to build a strong consensus for this important campus leadership position.


Linda Deneen has agreed to continue as chair of the search committee. We will be back in touch soon about the next steps of the search.


Sincerely,


Chancellor Lendley C. Black

Monday, May 16, 2011

Vice Chancellor Space Changes


TO: Campus Community


FROM: Chancellor Black


As part of administrative restructuring, the following space changes will take place on or before August 1, 2011.



* The new Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and one support staff will occupy the existing Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations space in Darland 500, 501, 511, 513.



* The existing reception area in Darland 500/515 will be remodeled for one Chancellor support staff and a formal receiving and waiting area.



* The Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations and two support staff will relocate to the existing Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life space in Darland 201, 297, 293.



* The Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life and three support staff will relocate to the existing Auxiliary Services space in Kirby Plaza.



* The new Special Assistant to the Chancellor for External Affairs and support staff will be located in the existing photography area in Darland 302 and 304. A search for this position will begin soon.



* Campus photography will relocate to the second floor of Darland, room 247.



Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Strategic Plan Approved

To the UMD campus:

I am pleased to report that yesterday, May 3, 2011, I approved the new
UMD Strategic Plan as recommended by the Strategic Planning Steering
Committee on April 11 and as endorsed by the Campus Assembly on April
26. The plan has been posted on the Strategic Planning website.
http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/planning/

I have also received the Campus Action Plan, which was recommended by
the Strategic Planning Steering Committee on April 29. I am sharing
this action plan with you at this time. Before I take further action,
I invite your input. The Campus Action Plan is also posted on the
Strategic Planning website.

Your comments regarding the Campus Action Plan will be most helpful
if received by May 20th. It is my hope that by the end of May, the
UMD campus will have a complete Campus Action Plan to go along with
the UMD Strategic Plan.

Many of you deserve thanks. I would especially like to recognize the
hard work of Denny Falk, who served as the Faculty Fellow for
Strategic Planning during this process. The 35-member steering
committee deserves credit for their diligence, advice, and thoughtful
contributions. This plan is strong because of the input of faculty,
staff, students, business leaders, and others in Duluth and the
surrounding area.

We worked hard and we worked together. Your participation is very much
appreciated, and it is a sign that we will have success as we
implement the UMD Strategic Plan. Thank you all.


Lendley C. Black

Chancellor