December 16, 2024
Dear colleagues,
I am writing to announce leadership changes in Academic Affairs.
Following a campuswide search, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Randy Penfield to the position of Senior Vice Provost, effective January 2, 2025.
Dr. Penfield is currently Dean of the UNCG School of Education, a post he has held since 2016. He joined the University in 2012 as Chair of the Department of Educational Research Methodology in the School of Education, drawn by the School’s exceptional academic programs and the University’s steadfast commitment to opportunity and excellence. After a successful three-year tenure as department chair, Dr. Penfield was appointed Interim Dean of the School in 2015. He has driven initiatives that have elevated academic programs, fostered student success, and deepened community engagement.
Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Penfield provided leadership for the establishment of the Institute for Partnerships in Education (IPiE), the North Carolina Academy for Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (NCA-STAR), and the SOE Academic Support Hub, expanding UNCG’s impact regionally and nationally. His forward-thinking approach to program development has supported the SOE in introducing innovative offerings such as tailored master’s programs, dual enrollment pathways, and online program expansions, aligning UNCG’s efforts with workforce demands.
Dr. Penfield also brings expertise in strategic planning and resource management. His leadership has enhanced organizational efficiency through effective budgeting strategies, departmental mergers, and faculty support initiatives, including the Dean’s Fellow for Climate and Culture, the Dean’s Fellow for Faculty Support and Engagement, the Equal Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion Committee, and the SOE Climate Survey.
In his new role, Dr. Penfield will work closely with Provost Boyette to oversee academic resource planning and allocation; faculty policy processes, and personnel services; academic planning, assessment, and accreditation; and various special initiatives.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Randy Penfield on his appointment as Senior Vice Provost. I look forward to working with him to advance UNCG’s mission of excellence and opportunity.
Dr. Morgan Chitiyo has been appointed Interim Dean of the School of Education. Since joining UNCG in 2020 as Professor of Special Education and Chair of the Department of Specialized Education Services (SES), he has successfully navigated the department through the pandemic, boosted enrollment through marketing and partnerships, and championed collaborative solutions to challenges.
Before UNCG, Dr. Chitiyo held leadership roles at Duquesne University’s School of Education, including Director of the Special Education Program (2013–2017) and Chair of the Department of Counseling, Psychology, and Special Education (2018–2020).
An internationally recognized scholar, his research focuses on positive behavior supports, autism, inclusive education, and special education professional development. He has advanced international special education through teacher preparation initiatives and serves as editor of the Journal of International Special Needs Education. His accolades include the 2019 Tennessee Tech Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2017 Duquesne Presidential Award for Excellence in Service.
Dr. Chitiyo will serve as Interim Dean until the national search for a permanent dean begins in Fall 2025.
I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sarah Daynes for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication during her nearly seven months as Interim Associate Vice Provost. Her contributions have been invaluable in advancing our mission and supporting our collective efforts during this time. As she returns to her faculty position in Sociology, we extend our thanks and wish her continued success in her endeavors.
Dr. Daynes played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing critical policies, including the Faculty Workload Policy, Academic Program Review Policy, Post-Tenure Review Policy, and Teaching Effectiveness Policy. In addition, she served as a Title IX investigator and was instrumental in advancing the implementation of the JED Campus program, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable academic environment.
Best wishes,
J. Alan Boyette
Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor