CU-BOULDER NAMES DiSTEFANO
Philip DiStefano, associate vice chancellor for undergraduate affairs and former dean of education at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has been named interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, pending approval by the CU Board of Regents, according to Chancellor Richard L. Byyny.
DiStefano will serve in the interim appointment, effective Oct. 1, until a permanent vice chancellor is selected through a national search. The national search will begin immediately with the goal of placing a permanent vice chancellor by next fall.
“I am extremely impressed with the quality of the internal candidates,” Byyny said, noting that not one but two candidates were forwarded by the search committee, DiStefano and Graduate School Dean Carol Lynch. “Based on his work in academic affairs over the past year, I believe Phil is well positioned to take on this responsibility, and his previous leadership roles in the institution have prepared him for the demands of the job,” Byyny said.
“I also want to emphasize a commitment I have made individually to faculty and deans that the upcoming year will not be a time of marching in place,” he said. “Phil and I have agreed that we will move forward on important issues such as performance-based budgeting, reinvestment plans and other initiatives just as if this were a permanent appointment.”
Those issues also will continue to take priority for whomever is appointed through the national search, Byyny said, ensuring continuity in the major areas of focus for academic affairs.
“During the internal search, I heard repeated comments that a national search would not only broaden the talent pool but would help validate any internal candidates,” Byyny said. “Clearly, Phil DiStefano is a strong candidate who will serve us well during the interim period.”
Wallace Loh announced his resignation as vice chancellor Aug. 4, effective Sept. 30, to become director of policy for Washington state Gov. Gary Locke.
The search for LohÂ’s replacement began with an internal search that yielded four candidates for campus interviews. The search committee, headed by arts and sciences Dean Peter Spear, forwarded the names of DiStefano and Lynch for consideration.
The appointment will be considered by the CU Board of Regents in a special meeting via conference call on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
DiStefano had served in the associate vice chancellor position since September 1996. He had been dean of the School of Education from 1986-96. During his tenure as dean, the school was consistently ranked as one of the top education schools in the country.
Prior to becoming dean, DiStefano was director of graduate studies, associate dean of education and a professor in the School of Education from 1974. Prior to his career in higher education he taught high school English.
DiStefano earned his doctorate in education from Ohio State University, his master's from West Virginia University and his bachelor's degree from Ohio State.
Annual salary for the interim position will be $130,000.