Judy Walker is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s new associate vice chancellor for faculty and academic affairs. The announcement was made June 8 by Donde Plowman, the university’s executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer.
Walker, Aaron Douglas Professor of Mathematics, had held the position on an interim basis since July 2016.
Reporting to the executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer, the associate vice chancellor for faculty and academic affairs provides leadership on activities, initiatives, and policies that support faculty careers, enhance faculty productivity, recognize faculty excellence, cultivate academic leadership, promote an inclusive climate, and advise on faculty rights and responsibilities.
“Judy will work across the university to continue building networks, resources and bridges for all university faculty,” Plowman said. “She has extensive experience with recruiting, hiring, supporting, promoting and mentoring faculty and has been recognized for her contributions in teaching and service. She is poised to make significant contributions to the university and I am pleased to welcome her to this post.”
In the permanent role, Walker also will:
provide leadership and coordination on recruitment and hiring, orientation and faculty development, promotion and tenure, faculty appointments, and professorships, awards and recognition.
support deans, chairs and department heads on faculty personnel and policy issues, and facilitates the resolution of academic and professional conduct concerns;
lead efforts to enhance faculty excellence and morale by assessing campus needs and developing new initiatives;
facilitate processes for Academic Program Reviews in collaboration with departments and college deans’ offices; and
lead the Department Executive Officers group, facilitates the Faculty Affairs College Liaisons group, chairs the Teaching Council and coordinates the university’s involvement in the Big Ten Academic Alliance Department Executive Officers and Academic Leadership Program.
“I am pleased that the faculty and academic affairs portfolio is being solidified, and in particular, that issues of faculty affairs and faculty development are being elevated to a larger portion of an associate vice chancellor’s role,” Walker said. “These issues are crucial and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the university in this way.”
