News

In a moment that has become a cornerstone of our annual APF staff retreat, we recently gathered to honor an individual whose dedication to our shared values has been widely recognized by their colleagues across the University. The APF Core Values Achievement Award is a celebration of the principles that guide our work every day at the University of Washington’s Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty (APF).

As we reflected on the core values that form the foundation of our organization—Collaboration, Excellence, Innovation, Diversity, Respect, Service, and Integrity—we were reminded of their importance not just in our work, but in how we interact with each other and our broader community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Your thoughtful contributions have been vital in recognizing the outstanding work within our community. We also want to acknowledge the diligent efforts of our review committee members: Marjorie Olmstead, Tyler Hitt, and Maria MacGregor. Their careful consideration and commitment to fairness ensured that the selection process honored the spirit of this award and put forward a truly standout nominee.

We were delighted to announce that Heather Bliss, the Director of Academic Human Resources in the Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty , received the 2024 APF Core Values Achievement Award!

Heather was recognized for her outstanding commitment to upholding our core values, particularly in her collaborative efforts and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her contributions have not only enhanced our team’s cohesion but have also significantly impacted the broader APF community. Nominated by peers, direct reports, and even those we serve, Heather’s ability to connect and collaborate across different groups is a testament to her dedication and professionalism.

In their nominations, colleagues highlighted Heather’s ability to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity in every interaction. One colleague noted, “Heather promotes a positive work environment, encouraging her team members to ask questions. During meetings, Heather always actively listens to questions and other team members’ ideas,” reflecting the widespread admiration for Heather’s approach to teamwork and collaboration.

Heather’s empathetic approach to leadership was also a recurring theme in her nominations. “Heather always takes a stance of empathy and collaboration [in] meetings. She always makes a point of checking in on a personal level and ensuring that we are all doing well, not just getting our assigned job tasks done,” another nomination read, underscoring the depth of appreciation for Heather’s role in nurturing a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

Another colleague emphasized Heather’s dedication to excellence, stating, “Heather’s collaborative, respectful, and service-oriented approach to her work positively impacts the APF team and the broader community,” showcasing how her efforts have consistently raised the standard for everyone around her.

Since Heather was unable to join us in person for the presentation, the presentation was recorded to ensure she received the full measure of our congratulations and appreciation. The team gathered to applaud and cheer, “Congratulations, Heather!” as we celebrated her well-deserved recognition.

Heather’s embodiment of our core values is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of collaboration, respect, and integrity in shaping a brighter future for our organization and the University of Washington community.

“Our goal is to provide our academic community with not only the tools they need but also the environments in which they can thrive.”

At a visit to Kenya in July 2024, the Vice Provost for Academic Personnel, Fred M. Nafukho delivered a keynote address at Kenyatta University entitled: incentivizing and empowering women faculty scholarship in Kenya. During the trip, Nafukho met with the Kenyatta University Leadership team comprised of Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nelson Wawire, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Outreach, and Prof. Grace Bunyi, the Registrar for Corporate Affairs.

At the University of Nairobi, he met with the Prof. Stephen Kiama, the Vice Chancellor and the UW Alumni Network faculty working at the University of Nairobi, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenyatta National Hospital Training, Research and Innovation Center and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The UW alumni present included Prof Ruth Nduati, Dr. Dalton C. Wamalwa, Dr. Alfred O Osoti, Dr. Kenneth Ngure, Dr. Elizabeth Bukusi, Dr. Nelly R Mugo, and Dr. John Kinuthia.

Dr. Nafukho’s conversation with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen Kiama centered on the intricate relationship between leadership, governance, and the sustainable social impact of higher education institutions. Their discussions highlighted how the frameworks within which universities operate can significantly influence their ability to innovate and grow. Effective leadership, as Dr. Nafukho emphasized, is grounded in the notion that informed decision-making should be based on governance structures that empower students, faculty, and staff.

“Our goal,” Dr. Nafukho noted, “is to provide our academic community with not only the tools they need but also the environments in which they can thrive.” This vision speaks to the broader objective of academia—to promote inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all. However, achieving this requires more than just policy changes; it demands a proactive approach that includes interdisciplinary research, global collaboration, and innovative strategies that look beyond the immediate future.

Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Nafukho expressed his appreciation for the warm reception from the University of Nairobi community: “Thank you to Vice Chancellor UoNBI, Professor Stephen Kiama, the UW alumni network at the University of Nairobi, and the faculty and staff for your warm welcome and reception. I’m honored to be part of this ongoing partnership and continuing our innovative conversation about effective leadership, governance systems, and the impact of empowering faculty and staff.”
The visit also celebrated the ongoing partnership efforts between faculty members, with special recognition given to UW alumni: Professors Ruth W. Nduati, Dr. Dalton Wamalwa, Dr. Nelly Mugo, Dr. John Kinuthia, Dr. Kenneth Ngure, and Dr. Marianne Mureithi for their contributions. Their work exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to drive these initiatives forward and confirms UW’s global impact. As HEIs navigate the complexities of today’s educational landscape, the insights shared by Dr. Nafukho serve as a reminder that leadership, when grounded in effective governance, can be a powerful catalyst for change. By fostering environments where innovation and collaboration are not just encouraged but embedded in the institutional culture, universities can continue to be beacons of learning and development for generations to come.

Changes to Administrative Academic Ranks

To support the revisions to EO59, specifically related to the use of the Administrative Duty Supplement (ADS), three new academic ranks in the Administrative track will be added in Workday: Medical Director; Center/Institute Director; and Major Unit or Program Administrator. Details of the requirements and usage of these titles can be found on the Administrative Appointments section of the Academic Titles & Ranks pages.

Other updates and additions include:

• Acting/Interim versions of the new administrative academic ranks will also be created.
• Existing Acting and Interim ranks and job profiles are being updated to include both terms (e.g. Acting/Interim Dean)
• Associate level administrative titles are being updated to include the term “Vice”, which is used in many units but is not currently reflected in the inventory of administrative academic ranks (e.g. Associate/Vice Dean)
• Chair and Director academic ranks are being consolidated, as they are used for faculty with administrative responsibilities in academic units at the same level (e.g. Chair – Director, Associate/Vice Chair – Director)

Academic ranks impacted by the consolidation will be inactivated in winter or spring quarter after we’ve had a chance to move any faculty in those titles into one of the new academic ranks.