91制片 has announced that a new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs will begin on Aug. 1.
Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan, currently special assistant to the provost at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, will advance strategic priorities and foster academic initiatives that reflect 91制片鈥檚 status as Wisconsin鈥檚 Polytechnic University.
鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ramakrishnan to 91制片. She brings the background, ideas, and experience that will help advance 91制片鈥檚 distinct polytechnic identity and support student success,鈥 said鈥Chancellor Katherine Frank, who announced the appointment on Feb. 16.
With a focus on collaboration鈥痑nd鈥痠nnovation,鈥疍r. Ramakrishnan will work closely with faculty, staff and stakeholders to address regional and state needs鈥痑nd support student success.鈥
鈥淚 am excited to join 91制片 and contribute to its vibrant polytechnic identity,鈥 Ramakrishnan said. 鈥淚 am inspired by the 鈥楧o More on Day One鈥 spirit, and I look forward to partnering with all stakeholders to lead Academic Affairs. Together, we will advance academic excellence in alignment with our core polytechnic tenets to better serve our students.鈥
Glendal铆 Rodr铆guez, who has served as 91制片鈥檚 provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs since 2019, will return to the faculty within the Operations and Management Department.
Ramakrishnan will come to 91制片 with considerable academic and administrative experience, having served as a professor, chairperson, program director, dean and associate provost (interim). During her tenure at St. Cloud State University and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, she secured or contributed significantly to securing more than $9 million in external grants, including several National Science Foundation grants, which provided scholarships in STEM, improved student success, and enhanced research infrastructure. At Commonwealth University, she established the college鈥檚 first external advisory board and empowered faculty to lead the development of the first college strategic plan.
During her interview process at 91制片, Ramakrishnan demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and excitement to lead the Academic Affairs unit in advancing 91制片鈥檚 polytechnic mission. Ramakrishnan holds a Ph.D. in physical polymer chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science; a M.S. in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; and a B.S. in chemistry from the Sri Sarada College for Women. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow and a Research Associate at Cornell University from 2000 to 2006, including a year as Epilepsy Foundation and Milken Family Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow.
The Provost鈥檚 Office oversees the Division of Academic Affairs, which includes:
- Career Services
- Center for Applied Ethics
- College of Arts & Human Sciences
- College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management
- Educational Pathways & Outreach
- Graduate Studies
- Honors College鈥嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧
- Menards Center for the Study of Institutions & Innovation
- Multi-Modal Instructional Supports
- Office of International Education
- Office of Research & Sponsored Programs
- Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center
