Dear Campus Community:
I am pleased to inform you that Dr. Andrea J. Schokker has been appointed UMD's Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. After a thorough national search and with a strong pool of candidates from which to choose, Dr. Schokker was selected because of her demonstrated record of administrative success and because of her innovative leadership at both UMD and Pennsylvania State University. In addition, responses from faculty, staff, and students were overwhelmingly positive to Dr. Schokker. I am convinced that she is the best person at this particular time to be UMD's executive vice chancellor. Moreover, she and I complement each other in regard to our academic backgrounds and administrative experiences. Dr. Schokker will begin her new duties during the first week of January 2012.
I have much appreciation and regard for Dr. Bilin Tsai and the outstanding service she provided as Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. She has approached the interim role with much dedication, and she has addressed challenging issues in a thorough, thoughtful manner.
I am grateful to Linda Deneen and members of the search committee for devoting significant time and energy throughout the search process. I value their advice and the comprehensive manner in which they represented the campus. In addition, I am grateful for the excellent administrative support provided by Bob Borden. Search consultants Paul Chou and Mac Stewart also deserve kudos for bringing forth candidates we otherwise would not have had.
Finally, I thank members of the UMD community for your participation and input. Careful consideration was given to your communications with the search committee and with me. You made a difference. We will continue to work together to enhance shared governance, open communication, and transparency as we take UMD to higher levels of achievement. Please let me know if you have questions or suggestions.
Best wishes,
Lendley Black, Chancellor
