Recent job changes at UNH, UNH Law

Monday, October 1, 2018

Wayne Jones, dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) since July 2017, was named interim provost and vice president of academic affairs in May, replacing outgoing provost Nancy Targett. A chemist with a strong track record in collaborative excellence and smart energy, Jones joined UNH from Binghamton University, State University of New York, where he was professor and chair in the department of chemistry, founding director of the Center for Learning and Teaching and founder of the Go Green Institute, which encourages middle school students to pursue careers in science and engineering.

Replacing Jones as interim dean in CEPS is former associate dean Chuck Zercher, who first served as CEPS’ interim dean in 2016. Prior to that appointment, he had been the associate dean for academic affairs since 2014. Zercher was chairman of the chemistry department from 2010 to 2013. He was awarded the Outstanding Assistant Professor Award in 1996 and was promoted to professor in 2003.

An award-winning scholar and teacher and a 17-year member of UNH’s sociology department, Michele Dillon has been named the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts (COLA) for the 2018-19 academic year. Dillon, who was nominated by her peers in COLA following the departure of former dean Heidi Bostic, served as chair of the department of sociology for six years. She also served as a faculty fellow in the office of the senior vice provost for engagement and faculty development, a role in which she served as faculty chair of the university’s new faculty orientation program, chair of Pathway to Professorship and co-chair of the Writing Academy for faculty. “Michele brings a breadth of experience as a leader at the department level in COLA, in support of faculty across the university and in professional social science organizations,” says interim Provost Wayne Jones. “I know that she will be an outstanding advocate for the liberal arts and humanities, which is so important for UNH.”

Monica Chiu has been named interim associate vice president for community, equity and diversity. A professor of English and a COLA Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, her past leadership roles include serving as co-chair of the President’s Commission on the Status of People of Color, chair of the English department’s diversity committee and director of the University Honors Program (2008–2011). Chiu has won campus-wide and regional awards for her commitment to diversity, including the President's Excellence Through Diversity Faculty Award (2008) and the Social Justice Award for Faculty Groups, recognizing her Ford Foundation-supported work on diversity and pedagogy (2007).

Kerryellen Vroman, associate professor of occupational therapy in the College of Health and Human Services, is the new associate vice provost for international programs. She was appointed interim vice provost for international programs in 2016.

Associate professor of history Nicoletta (Nicky) Gullace has been named director of the Discovery Program, and Catherine Peebles will head the University Honors Program. Peebles is a principal lecturer in humanities and director of the Master of Arts in liberal studies program.

At the UNH School of Law, John Greabe has been named director of The Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership and Public Service, a position previously held by professor of law Jordan Budd, who is returning to teaching. Prior to becoming a full-time law professor, Greabe spent 17 years working for the federal judiciary.