Brandi Frisby named associate provost for academic affairs
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 12, 2024) — After a comprehensive search, Brandi N. Frisby, Ph.D., has been selected as associate provost for academic affairs, effective May 13.
The position of associate provost for academic affairs reports directly to the provost and focuses on academic oversight, institutional effectiveness and accreditation, aligning with the University of Kentucky’s strategic plan, the UK-PURPOSE.
“I am so excited to be able to step into the role as associate provost for academic affairs and to work with the many talented colleagues across campus,” said Frisby. “I look forward to leveraging my expertise to contribute to the academic programs and transdisciplinary collaborations and to support the mission of the university with my unique strengths, passion and talent while continuing the positive momentum of the university.”
Prior to coming to UK in 2010, Frisby earned her doctorate in Communication Studies from West Virginia University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Kentucky University and a Master of Arts from Ball State University.
Since arriving at UK, Frisby has been a steadfast supporter of students, faculty and staff. She has also mentored numerous master’s and doctoral students as both a committee member and advisor, and she has taught numerous courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Frisby has served as acting dean of the College of Communication and Information since Oct. 1, 2023. She has previously held leadership roles in the college, including senior associate dean and associate dean for student success. Under her leadership, the college has continued to experience growth in student enrollment and retention as well as innovative partnerships to serve the UK campus.
Frisby is also an accomplished researcher, having been named in the top 1% of communication studies researchers and the top 1% of communication studies prolific researchers by the Journal of Communication Education, with more than 80 journal articles published. She also serves on the editorial review boards of several communication journals.
“As the associate provost for academic affairs, Dr. Frisby will use her extensive leadership experience to advance our mission to provide our students with the education and preparation they will need to be future leaders,” said UK Provost Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. “I know that she will continue positively impacting UK and our Commonwealth in her new role.”
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.