Gutmann restructures provost office; four promoted to fill new positions

University Provost Amy Gutmann announced the immediate promotion of three administrators to the position of vice provost and the appointment of one associate provost on Monday.

Associate Dean of the Faculty Katherine Rhorer will serve as vice provost for academic programs. Associate Provosts Joann Mitchell and Allen Sinisgalli were promoted to vice provosts for administration and research and physical planning, respectively. Former budget director in the treasurer's office Steven Gill '73 will be associate provost for finance.

"They are clearly the most experienced, talented, dedicated and hardworking team that a provost could hope for," Gutmann said. "This team will enable me to do everything better and faster than I otherwise could."

The promotions reflect years of continued dedication to different corners of the University community. As associate provost, Mitchell said her responsibilities included assisting with budgetary matters, managing the Priorities Committee, working on special projects on behalf of the provost, such as reviewing the graduate student health plan and helping to address the short-term graduate student housing shortage.

Mitchell also led the University's equal opportunity initiatives and campaigns for a more diverse student and administrative body. "As vice provost, I will continue to handle those responsibilities and will serve as Provost Gutmann's general deputy on a variety of administrative matters," Mitchell said.

Rhorer served as associate dean of the faculty since 1993 and is a self-proclaimed "glutton for hard work."

For those eight years, Rhorer oversaw the University's instructional budget — both the faculty's teaching budget and the budget for graduate student preceptors. Rhorer also interacted intimately with the dean of the faculty when she authorized searches for new faculty, individual appointments, reappointments and promotions.

Rhorer's position is specifically geared towards preparing for dramatic changes to the undergraduate way of life. She will be involved in the long-range planning for the addition of 500 undergraduates. Rhorer will also sit on search committees for the new deans of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Wilson School.

"My new position will call on everything I know about academic life at all levels in the University," Rhorer said in an e-mail.

With the acceleration of the University's building and renovation program, Sinisgalli's 27 years of University service and experience overseeing a variety of major construction projects well prepares him for these responsibilties, Gutmann said.

"Last summer, when the president and provost asked if I would delay my retirement until next June to help coordinate this area of campus life, I was honored to accept," Sinisgalli reflected.

Gill will serve as budget director and associate provost for finance, as well as the budget and financial analyst for the provost. Gill has continued to serve the University following his graduation in 1973 by working in the office of the treasurer since 1979, acting on the University Concerts Committee, and being a University representative to the United Way of Greater Mercer County.

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Gutmann said she is hopeful that the new positions will enhance the efficiency of her office.

"These new positions are promotions from existing positions, which recognize the extraordinary talents Joann, Kathy and Al have made as dedicated and talented administrators to the University," Gutmann said. "The promotions also reflect my confidence that they will continue to provide extraordinary service to the community as vice provosts, working closely with me as a team to better serve faculty, students and staff."