Dear Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ellen Junn as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, effective January 23, 2012. 

She is currently the associate provost at California State University, Fresno, where she also serves as the interim senior academic technology officer and director of Technology Innovations for Learning and Teaching (TILT) and as the interim director of the Center for the Scholarly Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CSALT). She is the chair of the President’s Commission on Human Relations and Equity charged with developing a comprehensive institutional diversity plan. As a member of the president’s cabinet at Fresno, Dr. Junn is currently involved in all aspects of campus planning. She also serves as the university’s WASC accreditation liaison officer and the executive director of Programs for Children involving three state-funded, auxiliary-run campus children’s centers. In all of these roles, Dr. Junn has an admirable record of accomplishments.

Dr. Junn graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. and high honors in psychology and earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in cognitive and developmental psychology from Princeton University. Her research interests and publications include college teaching effectiveness, faculty development, academic technology, educational equity, diversity, and early childhood education and advocacy. She has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications and numerous presentations. While a faculty member at CSU Fullerton, she received several awards and was invited by President George W. Bush to the White House Summit on Early Cognitive Development in 2001.

In accepting the position as our provost, Dr. Junn told me that she is honored, enthusiastic and eager to accomplish many things at SJSU. My heartfelt thanks go to all the members of the search committee, who worked tirelessly (and quickly!) to identify highly qualified finalists.

Upon learning of the appointment, search committee chair Elba Maldonado-Colon called the appointment “wonderful news," praising Dr. Junn's broad and deep knowledge of higher education and the CSU system, as well as the refreshing perspective that she will bring to campus. Please join me and the members of the cabinet in welcoming Dr. Ellen Junn as our provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Sincerely,

Mohammad H. Qayoumi