Last month, I wrote to you with news of title changes for Dr. Bruce Jarrell and Dean E. Albert Reece, explaining that my sizable obligations with our Catalyst campaign increasingly take me off campus, which, in turn, requires that Drs. Jarrell and Reece assume even greater responsibilities at UMB and within the University System.

 

For that same reason, I'm announcing today two more title changes among my leadership team.

 

Jennifer B. Litchman, MA, will become senior vice president for external relations. In this role, Ms. Litchman will continue to oversee communications and public affairs, government relations, and community engagement, and this title better reflects the breadth of her responsibilities at UMB. Ms. Litchman will remain special assistant to the president and will continue her duties as my chief of staff.

 

Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MPA, will become senior vice president for operations and institutional effectiveness. Dr. Ward has responsibility for human resources, strategic planning, enterprise risk management, institutional accreditation, and accountability. In addition, he oversees several offices that promote University compliance and transparency. Dr. Ward will remain vice dean of our Graduate School.

 

Both of these titles become effective this Friday, Jan. 5.

 

I am indebted to Ms. Litchman and Dr. Ward for their longstanding leadership, which has helped assure UMB's excellence and impact.