Organizational Restructuring Announced

Monday, June 29, 2015

Chancellor Sheri N. Everts has announced an organizational restructuring in several operating units that will be effective July 1.

The restructuring takes into consideration the university’s substantial growth over the years and the complexity that has accompanied this growth. It also allocates responsibilities across administrative units more fitting for a university with over 18,000 students.

The Office of Sustainability will report to Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff Randy Edwards. It previously reported to Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Greg Lovins. This change will facilitate increased faculty involvement and leadership in Appalachian’s academic programs and operational activities in areas of sustainability. Dr. Lee Ball from the Department of Technology and Environmental Design is serving as interim university sustainability director.

Auxiliary Services, which currently reports to Lovins, will also report to Edwards, with the exception of the University Post Office. Auxiliary Services will now consist of Appalachian Food Services, the Holmes Convocation Center and the University Bookstore. Under the new structure, the University Post Office will remain in Business Affairs and report directly to Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Rick Presnell. The restructuring also moves New River Light & Power Company from Business Affairs to the Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff’s office.

The new structure aligns operating functions, improves span of control, and will lead to enhanced effectiveness and efficiencies. This restructuring takes advantage of the management role of vice chancellor and chief of staff. The reassigned areas will greatly benefit from Dr. Edwards’ strong experiences in leadership and planning; especially his extensive background as a faculty member, department chair and College of Business dean. It also allows Vice Chancellor Lovins to focus on financial, operational and safety matters that are critical to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and other university constituents. This restructuring strengthens Appalachian’s operations while building on the successes created by our outstanding, hard-working faculty and staff.