Office of Undergraduate Education Leadership Transition

Dear colleagues:

As announced on September 17, John Smail will begin a limited term appointment effective July 1, 2022, as dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences upon the retirement of Dean Nancy Gutierrez.

While John Smail serves as Dean for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Dr. Lisa Slattery Walker will begin a limited term appointment as Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of University College.

As the Associate Dean for Advising and Graduation in the Office of Undergraduate Education, Walker already is well engaged in the work of undergraduate education and has played a meaningful leadership role in the Student Success Working Group and other student success initiatives, including the Student Experience Project, graduation metrics, and Funds 2 Finish. Walker has been with UNC Charlotte since 1998 and is a Professor of Sociology and Organizational Science. She served as Chair of the Department of Sociology from 2008-2014 and was President of the Faculty 2016-2017. Her research focuses on small group interaction, nonverbal behaviors, identity, emotions, gender, influence, and expectations. Her work has appeared in Social Psychology Quarterly, Social Science Research, Social Forces, Sex Roles, and numerous other journals. Walker has been PI or co-PI on six NSF-funded projects.

I am confident that Dr. Walker will provide a smooth transition and offer exemplary leadership to the Office of Undergraduate Education and as Dean of University College during this period.

Sincerely,

Joan F. Lorden
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs