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The Office of Academic Affairs, through its senior vice president, has primary responsibility for setting the academic focus for the University of Utah and directing and enhancing its mission, both at the undergraduate and graduate/professional levels. The office guides academic and long-range institutional planning, with oversight of academic faculty and staff, budget planning, enrollment management, information resources, and student admissions and retention.

The senior vice president of academic affairs—a position known as a provost at other universities—reports directly to the president as a member of the executive leadership team and actively participates in setting the strategic direction while aligning academic and budget priorities.

Guiding Principles

STUDENT SUCCESS AND ACCESS

Education is a gateway to increased economic stability, improved quality of life, and enhanced civic engagement — but above all, it can be a conduit for pursuing one’s dreams. The Office of Academic Affairs is committed to pathways that allow seekers of education better access to the U. Through partnerships, scholarships and innovative solutions, we aim to bring qualified students of all backgrounds to the state’s flagship institution. We recognize that education often requires sacrifice and we embrace the responsibility of ensuring that students at the U receive the support and resources they need to be successful. We care for students, their futures, and their families. We are invested in student retention, completion, belonging and placement and will relentlessly pursue the success of every student.

Value of higher education Student Success Initiatives Student Success Research

EXCELLENCE, EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS

As a member of the Association of American Universities, and one of America’s leading research institutions, the U is committed to building world-class research programs and attracting and retaining the best faculty from across the nation and throughout the world. We are equally committed to delivering outstanding undergraduate, graduate and professional education that prepares students for leadership roles that will impact our community. As we seek to become a top-10 public university, we are driven by a common focus on excellence, efficiency and effectiveness in all we do. We honor operational excellence and look to nimbly adapt and improve in all opportunities, honoring the public trust and resources we are given.

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John R. Park Building

RESPECT FOR ALL

The Office of Academic Affairs is dedicated to making the University of Utah a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff. We are a campus that welcomes everyone, across geography, ideology and identity. The things that make us different are a source of strength, central to furthering our mission to create new knowledge and prepare students for success. We believe in the power of a place where everyone belongs.

Commitment to campus

Projects

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Reimagining Support Services

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the College of Humanities, College of Science, College of Social and Behavioral Science, and School for Cultural and Social Transformation are participating in a project to improve how we deliver critical support services to faculty, staff, and students. This project is commissioned by the president and provost, with approval from the board of trustees, and executed by the Academic Excellence Taskforce, which is composed of deans and provides recommendations and feedback on strategic initiatives and change management aligned with the University of Utah strategic planning process, Impact 2030.

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Honors building

ADVANCING HONORS: Innovating in the Honors College

Elevating the Honors College to a top-tier status will significantly contribute to the University of Utah’s reputation, attract exceptional students and faculty and enhance research and educational outcomes. This project represents a critical step towards achieving these objectives by leveraging comparative insights and stakeholder perspectives to craft a robust strategy for excellence and innovation in the Honors College.

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Gardner Commons building

WELLBEING AND RESILIENCE: Promoting a Culture of Care

At the direction of U President Taylor Randall, the Wellbeing and Resilience (W+R) Initiative is focused on elevating wellbeing efforts among faculty and staff across Academic Affairs. The purpose of this initiative is to promote a thriving campus culture characterized by care, wellbeing, and academic success. This initiative will build upon the excellent efforts already underway for students through the Center for Campus Wellness and through the Resiliency Center for the Health Sciences, involving other experts across campus.

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Academic Leadership Team

Mitzi M. Montoya

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Martell Teasley

ASSOCIATE PROVOST FOR STRATEGIC ACADEMIC INITIATIVES

Keith Diaz Moore

ASSOCIATE PROVOST FOR INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN AND STRATEGY

Thomas Chase Hagood

VICE PROVOST FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Sarah Projansky

VICE PROVOST FOR FACULTY & ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Steve Robinson

VICE PROVOST FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Mitzi Montoya on Twitter