Vice Provost for Faculty Announcement and Search

Dear CMU Faculty Members:

I am writing to share that Dr. Molly Wright Steenson has informed me of her decision to step down as vice provost for faculty at the end of her term on June 9, 2023. Molly has accepted a position as president and CEO of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, an arts and cultural organization.

Molly joined Carnegie Mellon as a faculty member in 2015. She has served as an associate professor in the School of Design, with affiliate appointments in the School of Architecture and in the Block Center for Technology and Society. In 2018, she was appointed the inaugural K&L Gates Associate Professor of Ethics & Computational Technology. That same year, she was also appointed senior associate dean for research in the College of Fine Arts.

I express my sincere gratitude to Molly for all that she has contributed to CMU, both in the classroom and as an administrator. Under Molly’s collaborative, people-centered approach to  leadership, the university has grown and strengthened its support of faculty members throughout their careers at CMU. Molly was instrumental in continuing the work of the Salary Equity Study, a critical component of the university’s ongoing commitment to administering pay in a fair and equitable manner. In partnership with the Faculty Senate, she moved forward several important policy updates, including the Policy to Provide Phased Retirement Option for Teaching Track Faculty. She supported the development of a faculty and student ombuds office, managed a robust faculty onboarding program, and advanced initiatives to expand professional growth and mentorship opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and faculty. As vice provost for faculty, she oversaw the university’s tenure, promotion and retention proceedings, ensuring a smooth, consistent and comprehensive process for this essential function. 

Please join me in thanking Molly for her many contributions to the university and wishing her great success in her next endeavor. 

I am launching an expedited search process to identify the next vice provost for faculty. Therefore, qualified individuals are invited to submit applications, including a letter of interest and CV, to vpfsearch@andrew.cmu.edu by April 10. The vice provost for faculty will serve an initial three-year term, providing counsel as a senior academic leader overseeing academic policies related to faculty affairs and offering support and resources to faculty and academic administrators across the university. The Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty oversees a number of important programs, including: faculty appointment, review, retention and promotion; faculty professional development programs; the dual career program; diversity and inclusion programs for faculty; faculty leaves; and Incoming Faculty Orientation. Additionally, the vice provost for faculty serves as the primary liaison for the Faculty Senate, collaborates with vice provost colleagues on postdoctoral and graduate student affairs and will support the creation of a new academic ombuds office for faculty and students.

Sincerely,

Jim Garrett
Provost and Chief Academic Officer