With the retirement of Yaw Asamoah, dean of the University College and IUP Libraries after 38 years of service and leadership at IUP, on June 30, IUP Provost and Vice President Lara Luetkehans has announced leadership changes for the University College and for the IUP Libraries.
Amber Racchini will serve as the acting assistant vice provost for the University College, and Kelly Heider will be the acting assistant vice provost for the IUP Libraries. Both will report directly to Provost Luetkehans.
“As we look to the future of these academic units that are so critical to student success, we will take this coming year as a transitional year for strategic planning and direction setting,” Luetkehans said in the announcement.
Racchini has been serving as the dean’s associate for the University College over the last year. Racchini is an associate professor in the Department of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success.
“As acting AVP for the University College, Dr. Racchini will provide important insights into achieving our goals in support of exceptional student-centeredness while working with the UC faculty and staff to continue offering student success programs and services, direct new and transfer student orientation, support our exploratory students, and maintain the Hawks Q&A Center in collaboration with the IUP Libraries,” Luetkehans said.
Heider has been serving as the dean’s associate for the IUP Libraries. Heider is a professor and member of the library faculty, with her most recent primary responsibilities focused on supporting graduate student information literacy needs. Heider has also led the evolution toward a Learning Commons that is coming to fruition as the IUP Libraries, University College, and other student success units come together in the Stapleton and Stabley Library buildings.
“As acting AVP for the IUP Libraries, Dr. Heider will serve an important role in working with the IUP Libraries faculty and staff to maintain all the services and programs the libraries offer as we continue our work toward realizing the vision of the IUP Strategic Plan Impact Areas,” Luetkehans said.