Alignment, communication are key goals of chancellor’s organizational changes

Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin has announced the first step in a staff reorganization designed to build more collaboration and alignment within the institution, and more effective communication between the university and its constituencies.

Martin will begin a search for a vice chancellor for university relations who will develop and implement a strategic approach to communications and relationship-building. The vice chancellor will oversee and coordinate the university’s approaches to communications; community and state relations; economic development and corporate relations; visitor and information programs; and other key constituents and partners.

“In these difficult economic times, it is essential that we take advantage of opportunities to focus the institution and coordinate ourselves across different functions. It is also essential to communicate our priorities and our goals clearly and consistently, and to find ways to listen more effectively to our constituents,” Martin says. “We aim to enhance our effectiveness by establishing this model, which is widespread throughout higher education. We have also come up with a way to make the new vice chancellor’s compensation cost-neutral.”

Martin is also reorganizing the chancellor’s office in favor of a different configuration of staff and allocation of responsibilities. A search committee is currently being formed for the new vice chancellor position.