Ohio University invests in new academic innovation strategy

As OHIO pursues bold action now and in the years ahead to redefine what it means to be a nationally-recognized, comprehensive public university, Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis and Executive Vice President and Provost Chaden Djalali announce a reorganization to create the Strategy and Innovation Office (SIO). The SIO unites OHIO’s existing Office of Instructional Innovation, University Planning and the Office of Information Technology.

“As together we respond to the challenges bearing down on higher education today, the SIO will be an essential resource as Ohio University pursues greater student and community impact, enhanced academic reputation, and a dynamic and sustainable University model,” President Nellis said.

Dr. Brad Cohen, who previously served as senior vice provost for instructional innovation, has been named Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer.

“I am excited by the opportunity to work with a talented and dedicated team that together and in partnership with faculty, staff and leadership across our campuses, will reimagine what it means to be a nationally-recognized, comprehensive public University,” Cohen said.

Reporting directly to both the President and the Provost, Cohen will lead institution-wide academic innovation strategy, aligning to and informing university priorities.

“This new office will bring substantial focus to advancing our strategic priorities and create new opportunities for academic innovation at OHIO,” said Provost Djalali. “I am excited to work with Brad and his team in this new capacity.”

Additional changes include:

• The Provost’s Chief of Staff, Laura Myers, has been promoted to Deputy Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer and joins Cohen’s team to support the development of a new academic innovation strategy and strategic planning efforts.
• Candi Morris, previously the Senior Director of Instructional Design and Strategic Program Initiatives in the Office of Instructional Innovation, has been promoted to serve as Associate Vice Provost for Instructional Innovation. She will assume responsibility for operations within the Office of Instructional Innovation.
• Shawna Bolin, Associate Vice President for University Planning, also joins the new office, bringing an enhanced focus on developing strategies to optimize space and land use to meet the needs of students as well as colleges and administrative units. Remaining functions, including Transportation and Parking, Real Estate, Programming and GIS/Space Database functions will remain in the Office for Finance and Administration.
• Chris Ament, Interim CIO leading the Office of Information Technology, will also join the SIO and lead the evolution of IT at OHIO as an integral component of our efforts to advance the university’s strategy.