Monday Memo February 10, 2020

Dean's Message

Dear Colleagues,

Both the College and the University are working to develop the budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1st. The process is particularly challenging this year as we prepare to move to a new budget model that will allocate resources primarily on the basis of enrollments. While it’s a simple model at its core, implementation in our complex College will require considerable effort.

As you know, A&S has not had a Lead Financial Officer for over half a year, and not having this position filled is becoming more acute. We are working with HR to launch a search for a permanent Lead Financial Officer in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I am pleased to announce that Taleia Willis has agreed to serve as Interim Lead Financial Officer for the College. Ms. Willis has been providing exceptional service as the Unit Business Manager to five humanities departments for the past four years. From having worked with her in this capacity, I know that she possesses outstanding intelligence, thoughtfulness, visionary thinking, a facility with process design, and exceptional interpersonal skills — all qualities necessary to fulfill the role of LFO. Further, having worked closely with her for four years, I have a high level of trust and confidence in her that will allow her to make the transition into the new role quickly and smoothly. She will play a key role in my leadership team during this important transitional period as we operationalize a new budget model, re-examine the structure and functioning of the A&S Business Center, and strive to improve morale for everyone in the college. Ms. Willis will step into the role immediately and will serve until the upcoming search for a permanent Lead Financial Officer concludes. I want to express my appreciation to Juli Wagner, who has been instrumental in keeping the College’s finances on track while also providing me with strategic level guidance as we prepare for the new budget model. Her assistance has been critical during my transition into the role of Interim Dean and I am deeply grateful to her.

Sincerely,

David S. Owen, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, and
Professor of Philosophy

Announcements

Call for Proposals: 2020 Research and Creative Activities Grants and Olorunsola Award

The A&S Research Office is now accepting proposals for 2020 Research and Creative Activities Grants for Faculty and Graduate Students and for the 2020 Olorunsola Endowed Research Award for Young Scholars. Electronic proposals must be received by Prof. Robert Buchanan, Associate Dean of Research by Monday, March 16, 2020. See full requirements at the Research Office website.

Great Place to Learn

Theatre Arts students take top prizes at prestigious festival

UofL Theatre Arts students took top honors at the 2020 Irene Ryan Region IV Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival over the weekend. Beating out almost 200 other actors, Tyler Tate and Kala Ross took first place and Xavier Harris and Lamar Hardy were runners up. Congratulations!

UofL Named Fulbright Top Producing Institution

Once again, UofL has been designated a Fulbright Top Producing Institution! Congrats to our 14 students (13 of whom are from A&S) who are teaching English or researching in 11 countries in 2019-20.

Displaying UofL student art in Writing Center

Each year, the University Writing Center displays art in its space on the first floor of Ekstrom Library. The center is currently seeking submissions. UofL students are welcome to submit works of all mediums and subjects. Send an email or stop by the Writing Center no later than Feb. 14.
Additional Information: Cassie Book, 852-2173

Great Place to Work

Supervisor Coaching Circles

HR’s Employee Development and Success office is offering new opportunities this semester to explore leadership and supervision through supervisor coaching circles. Coaching circles are small, organized groups of university supervisors committed to learning together about effective supervision and leadership in monthly meetings. Unlike a typical workshop, coaching circles are focused on support and real-world conversation about challenges supervisors are facing. These coaching circles can provide supervisors with a valuable network of peers. All supervisors are encouraged to attend. Visit the website for more details and registration.

Theater Ticket Giveaway

The College purchased an ad in USA Today and, as a thank you, they provided us with tickets to several upcoming theater performances.

Please send an email to be entered into the drawing for 2 tickets to any of the following shows. You may submit your name for both but can only win once.

• Anastasia — The Kentucky Center, March 20, 8 PM  (Entries close 3/6)
• The Buddy Holly Story — Brown Theatre,  April 16, 8 PM (Entries close 4/3)

Save the Date: Pathways Leadership Conference

May 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Student Activities Center; $50 per person
Save the date for the UofL Pathways Women’s Leadership Conference, sponsored by Commonwealth Credit Union. The program, which focuses on personal growth and leadership development, includes Provost Dr. Beth Boehm, Commonwealth Credit Union President/CEO Karen Harbin, Brigadier General Young, and Dare to Lead facilitator Leah Brown. Registration opens in early March. 
Additional Information: Melissa Long Shuter, 852-6151

Sustainability