The president of the University of Missouri System announced Jan. 2 a reorganization of the UM System designed to help keep pace with the changing dynamics of higher education, better serve constituencies on the four campuses and enhance operational efficiencies systemwide.
“It is clear to me that higher education is changing rapidly, and as leaders of public higher education in Missouri, we too must embrace transformational change and adapt our structure to better meet both the opportunities and challenges that come with change,” Tim Wolfe said in a statement.
Wolfe said he will consolidate the previously separate roles of vice presidents of Academic Affairs as well as Research and Economic Development into the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research. The vice president will take the lead role in working with the chief academic officers on each campus. He or she will tackle the significant changes in student learning and educational delivery occurring throughout higher education, and work with the campus chief research and economic development officers to secure federal research dollars and promote economic development within the state.
A national search is underway to fill the position.
“Our mission of research is what sets us apart from many of the other higher education institutions in the state,” Wolfe said. “And our ability to conduct research throughout our system that leads to improved quality of life, enhanced revenue and job creation is one of our greatest benefits to the state and nation.”
Furthermore, Wolfe is folding the system’s Government Relations and Strategic Communications departments into University Relations, to be led by Steve Knorr, currently vice president of Government Relations. University Relations will be responsible for strategic communications, government relations, and external affairs at the national, state and local levels.
Finally, Wolfe announced that Nikki Krawitz, vice president of finance and administration, will retire in June.