I am writing to let you all know that I have asked Dr. Chris Reaves to serve in an expanded interim leadership role. Effective June 1, 2022, the units UAT, PGPP, and TAS will all report to Chris (in addition to his current area, AEP). As a result, Dr. Spencer (UAT), Dr. Dobranski (PGPP), and Dr. Green (TAS) will directly report to him. This appointment will remain in effect until further notice, and Chris will have an additional interim working title of, “Executive Director of Academic Success and Engagement.”

With regards to this expanded interim role, I have asked Chris to work closely with each of the unit directors on the following priorities:

• Ensure programs and services are fully meeting the needs of students, faculty, and other stakeholders in alignment with GT’s strategic plan and are effectively able to meet the needs of our current UG enrollment
• Identify and implement specific and visible opportunities to advance GT’s DEI Blueprint within all of these units and programs
• Develop intentional opportunities for programmatic collaboration, team building, and professional development among these units
• Oversee assessment, outcomes reporting, budget requests, and other Institute or OUE events as requested

Chris will continue to serve as OUE’s point of contact for our Clough Commons operations and OUE’s campus engagement and outreach (e.g, FASET, Week of Welcome, Parent/Family Weekend). He will also continue to supervise OUE’s communication and marketing team.

Chris has been a part of GT and Undergraduate Education for over 11 years, joining GT in 2011 as the Director of Undergraduate Research and Student Innovation. I have greatly appreciated his willingness to step up and take on more leadership over this past year of extended transition, and I ask that you all give him your full support. In return, this will create additional support for the directors and enable us to become more informed and responsive to the day-to-day lives of our student-facing staff by opening avenues for all employees to influence change in our division.

I also want to make you aware that we are still thinking about OUE's next steps regarding our alignment with the Institute's strategic plan. I will keep you informed as to how we plan to proceed. In the meantime, please know that I welcome input and feedback at any time by:

1. Attending virtual office hours
   • Fridays from 3-4 pm, unless otherwise noted
2. Joining me for monthly coffee (my treat)
   • June 22, July 26, and August 18 
   • Blue Donkey, 11-11:45 AM
3. Setting up a time with me through Criss Miller

In closing, I am confident that Chris will do a great job working with all of you and your teams. Don’t hesitate to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Best,
Steven