Update on the vice provost for academic strategy and budget search

I am writing to provide an important update on the search for the inaugural vice provost for academic strategy and budget. 

After a national search and careful consideration, I have decided to conclude the current search and refine the position before relaunching it. In the coming months, I will work closely with our budget and strategy partners to ensure the role is fully aligned with the University's financial leadership structure and positioned for long-term success.

From the outset, we envisioned a leader who could strengthen how we develop and execute academic budget priorities across our five campuses. It became clear as the process unfolded that we have an opportunity to refine the position's responsibilities and strengthen connections to our financial enterprise. The search process provided valuable perspective, and applying those lessons now will help us make a stronger permanent appointment.

The search also attracted an impressive and diverse pool of candidates, and I am grateful to everyone who expressed interest in serving the University. I am confident that a deliberate approach now will result in a position with greater clarity, broader impact and an even greater opportunity for the individual selected to lead in this role.

Interim leadership

The institutional priorities that led us to create this position remain as important as ever. The connection between academic budgeting and strategic planning is essential to our future, and that work will proceed. 

To maintain momentum, I am pleased to announce the appointment of David Pappone as interim vice provost, effective August 1, 2026. 

David currently serves as assistant dean for operations and chief financial officer for the College of Science and Engineering, where he oversees financial strategy and operations for one of the University's largest and most complex academic units. He is an invaluable asset to both the CSE and the University, successfully navigating the evolving headwinds of higher education finance while remaining fiercely dedicated to academic excellence. His collaborative leadership and ability to align strategy with operations will be instrumental in advancing our financial enterprise. 

In this interim capacity, David will collaborate with leaders across the University to further shape the portfolio, deepen partnerships across academic and administrative units, and develop the strategic foundation that will support a renewed national search in the coming academic year.

I am deeply appreciative of the thoughtful and steadfast work of the search committee, chaired by Dean Melinda Pettigrew of the School of Public Health. I also thank the faculty, staff and students who generously shared their time and perspectives.

Building a new leadership role is an iterative process that benefits from reflection and refinement. The work ahead will position us to recruit an outstanding vice provost who will help shape the University's academic and financial future for years to come.