News

The University of Washington welcomed its newest cohort of department chairs and academic leaders on September 15–16 with a two-day onboarding designed to equip them for the challenges of leadership in higher education. The onboarding will continue throughout the academic year.

Hosted by the Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty, the program mixed practical guidance with broader reflections on the responsibilities—and pressures—that come with serving as an academic leader. Provost Tricia Serio opened the event with a call for “trust, transparency, and curiosity,” urging participants to balance the critical habits of scholarship with the collaborative spirit required to govern a modern research university. She was joined in the welcome by Fredrick M. Nafukho, Vice Provost for Academic Personnel & Faculty.

“I’ve come to see my job—and that of other academic leaders—as an opportunity to protect and advance the mission of our university,” Serio told attendees. She emphasized that UW’s ability to adapt over 164 years has depended on leaders who embrace diverse perspectives while remaining united in their commitment to higher education’s public mission.

The first day, held in person at the Husky Union Building, featured a sequence of sessions introducing leaders to campus resources and governance structures. Fredrick Nafukho, Vice Provost for Academic Personnel and Faculty, Deepa Rao (Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Development), Marjorie Olmstead (Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs), and Chadwick Allen (Associate Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence) outlined how APF and their pillars support faculty development, equity and inclusion, and personnel processes. A budget overview from Scott Coil, Director of University Budget Operations, provided insight into UW’s financial landscape.

A candid panel with current and outgoing department chairs—Trish Kritek (Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs, School of Medicine; Interim Chair of the Department of Medicine), Munira Khalil (Professor of Chemistry and former Department Chair), and Zev Handel (outgoing Chair of Asian Languages and Literature and Director of the East Asia Center)—followed, offering lessons learned on everything from mentoring faculty to managing departmental politics. The day concluded with a discussion on shared governance led by Faculty Senate officers: Aarti Bhat (Chair), Rania Hussein (Vice Chair), Gautham Reddy (Secretary of the Faculty), and Louisa Mackenzie (Immediate Past Chair).

The second day, conducted virtually, shifted focus to resilience and compliance. Mari Ostendorf, Vice Provost for Research, led a session on sustaining research leadership during periods of uncertainty. That was followed by a comprehensive overview of civil-rights compliance and Title IX responsibilities led by Valery Richardson (Assistant Vice President for Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator), Bree Callahan (ADA/Section 504 Coordinator), and Brielle Nettles (Title VI Coordinator). Their remarks underscored the legal and ethical dimensions of leadership in higher education.

Taken together, the onboarding highlighted both the technical demands and the human complexities of academic leadership. Speakers encouraged new chairs, associate vice chancellors, directors and deans to see themselves not only as advocates for their units but also as stewards of the institution as a whole.

“Your leadership is crucial to strengthening this balance across the university,” Serio said. “What you will do in these roles truly matters.”

Welcome to Academic Year 2025-26

Dear Faculty Colleagues,

As we embark on the 2025-26 academic year, I am honored to address our exceptional faculty community at this pivotal moment in the University of Washington’s distinguished history. We stand at the intersection of remarkable opportunity and meaningful challenge, united in our commitment to advancing the mission of this great institution.
I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Robert J. Jones as our 34th president, who brings with him a wealth of leadership experience and a shared vision for academic excellence. His arrival represents not just new leadership, but a renewed commitment to the values that define the UW: innovation, inclusion, and impact. As we welcome President Jones, we also honor the transformational legacy of President Ana Mari Cauce, whose decade of leadership has strengthened our foundation for the work ahead.

We cannot ignore the realities of today’s higher education landscape. The current funding environment presents challenges that require us to be both strategic and creative in how we support our academic mission. Yet, I am confident that our faculty’s resilience, innovation, and collaborative spirit will guide us through these complexities while maintaining our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service.

In my role as Vice Provost for Academic Personnel and Faculty, I am particularly excited to share how our strategic vision will support you in navigating these opportunities and challenges. Our Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty has developed a focused strategic plan built on three foundational goals that directly serve your success:

Foster and Provide Professional Development for Academic Personnel and Faculty – We are committed to creating comprehensive pathways for your growth throughout every stage of your career. Whether you are establishing your research trajectory, refining your pedagogical approaches, or exploring leadership opportunities, we will provide the resources, mentorship, and programming necessary to help you thrive.

Serve as a Trusted Partner to the UW Community – Our office exists to be your advocate and ally. We will work transparently and collaboratively to understand your needs, address your concerns, and ensure that our policies and practices truly support your success. This partnership extends beyond individual support to fostering the kind of inclusive, collegial environment where all faculty can flourish.

Anticipate and Meet the Dynamic Needs of Academic Personnel and Faculty – Higher education is evolving rapidly, and we must stay ahead of these changes to serve you effectively. We are committed to being proactive rather than reactive, identifying emerging challenges and opportunities before they impact your work, and developing innovative solutions that position you for success.

These goals are not merely aspirational statements; they represent our operational blueprint for supporting your scholarly endeavors, enhancing your professional satisfaction, and strengthening our collective impact. I encourage you to review the complete strategic plan, which is now available on the Academic Personnel and Faculty website. In an era of constrained resources, we must be intentional about investing in what matters most: our people.

As we navigate this academic year together, I encourage you to engage actively with our professional development opportunities, to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries, and to approach challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth. Remember that your individual success contributes to our collective strength, and that the work you do in classrooms, laboratories, and communities extends far beyond our campus borders.

The University of Washington has always been a place where bold ideas take root and flourish. Under President Jones’s leadership and with your continued dedication, we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, prepare the next generation of leaders, and address the complex challenges facing our world.

I look forward to working alongside each of you in making this academic year one of meaningful progress and shared achievement. My office stands ready to support you, and I encourage you to reach out whenever we can be of assistance.

Here’s to a year of growth, discovery, and impact.

With warm regards and deep appreciation,

Fred Muyia Nafukho
Vice Provost for Academic Personnel & Faculty