The University of Louisville Alumni Magazine: for alumni, faculty, staff, students and anyone that is a UofL Cardinal fan.
Issue link: https://louisville.epubxp.com/i/535203
3 2 | L O U I S V I L L E . E D U S HIRLEY WILLIHNGANZ has overseen great change since becoming UofL's Executive Vice President and University Provost more than a decade ago. A higher student prof le. More national and international scholarship winners. Remarkable growth in resident students and in student services. And most important to Willihnganz, a 60 percent boost in student graduation rates. As Willihnganz steps down as provost this summer, she notes those accomplishments with pride — and with gratitude. "It has been an honor to serve as provost, and I am proud of the tremendous growth we've seen during the past 13 years," Willihnganz said. "Under Dr. James Ramsey's leadership, UofL continues to reach new heights. I appreciate the opportunity I have had to contribute to that success." Willihnganz announced earlier this year that she would step down June 30. Following a sabbatical, she plans to return to teaching in 2016. A faculty member since 1985, she had served as acting provost from 2002 until her permanent appointment in 2004. She previously had served as Communication Department chair and as acting dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "Dr. Willihnganz has contributed so much to the success we've had," Ramsey said. "Working with Shirley over the past 13 years has been the absolute highlight of my academic career of 30-plus years. "Her leadership has been vital to our academic improvement, and her dedication to our students, faculty and staff is unsurpassed," Ramsey said. "I am sorry to see her leave the leadership team, but our students will benef t from her return to the classroom." After More Than a Decade of Success Provost Steps Down Hundreds of faculty, staff and students turned out to extend their well wishes to outgoing Provost and Executive Vice President Shirley Willihnganz at a cookout at the Red Barn. Willihnganz and Ramsey combined to improve many aspects of the university's academic profi le, student services and day-to-day operations. Some of those changes include: • Sixty percent jump in graduation rate from 2002 to 2014 • Creation of the Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning, 2003 • Implementation of Ideas to Action (critical think- ing focus), 2005 • Restructuring of Undergraduate Advising, 2004 • Reorganization of Career Center, 2006 • Development and implementation of the 20/20 Plan, UofL's strategic plan, 2007 • Establishment of School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, 2007 • Establishment of Off ce of Community Engagement, 2008 • Restructuring of Cultural Center, 2008 • Oversight of the 21st Century University Initiative, launched in 2012