UT hunts for VP of academic affairs

University now seeks nominations

KNOXVILLE - The University of Tennessee system is seeking nominations and applications for the next vice president for academic affairs and student success.

Katie High, who currently holds the position, is planning to retire in July after a 35-year career with UT, according to a news release from the university.

The vice president works closely with campus chief academic and student affairs officers to oversee academic and student affairs for the UT system and coordinates mission statements, academic strategic plans, establishment and revision of academic organizations and the admission, progression and retention standards. The vice president also serves as staff to the UT board of trustees’ academic affairs and student success committee, the university life committee and the subcommittee on nonacademic programs.

UT Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tonjanita Johnson said in the release that the position is critical to UT’s ability to enhance the educational experience for students and prepare them for the ever-changing demands of the workplace.

“I’d like to thank Katie High, who plans to retire from the position of vice president in July, for her commitment and contributions during her 35year career at the University,” Johnson said in the release. “Her vision and ability to cultivate relationships and partnerships, especially with our public and private colleagues across the state, has opened doors for new ventures and impacted students in countless ways.”

High, who earns a salary of $249,672, was appointed vice president for academic affairs and student success in 2013, after serving as interim since 2010. She previously was chief of staff to the UT president for two years and led the university’s presidential search process in 2010.

She also served as associate vice president in the Office of Academic Affairs and Student Success from 2005 to 2007 and as interim vice president from January 2008 to August 2008. Among other positions held during her career, she served as vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Tennessee at Martin from 2001 to 2005.

The search committee is chaired by Stacey Patterson, UT system associate vice president for research and vice president of the UT Research Foundation, and met for the first time Monday, according to the release. Other committee members include Jerald Ainsworth, provost and senior vice chancellor, UT Chattanooga; Kellen Clarke, undergraduate student in the College of Communications and Information at UT Knoxville; Vicky Gregg, member of the UT board of trustees and retired CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee; Betty Johnson, associate executive director for academic affairs for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission; and Melissa Shivers, associate vice chancellor and dean of students for UT Knoxville.

The position is expected to be filled by mid-summer.