Carvalho Named Interim Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 18, 2014) — Susan Carvalho, professor of Hispanic Studies and associate provost for internationalization at the University of Kentucky, has been named interim associate provost and dean of the UK Graduate School.

Carvalho will maintain her role as associate provost for internationalization, a positon she has held since 2010 that involves overseeing the UK International Center and the implementation of UK’s comprehensive internationalization agenda. A part-time interim assistant provost will be appointed during this transition period to assist Carvalho with the internationalization portfolio.

"Graduate education is essential to our mission as a research university," said UK Provost Christine Riordan in a message sent to faculty and staff of the university. "To this interim position, Susan brings a wealth of experience and a history of building successful partnerships, collaborations and programs. There are great synergies between the areas of internationalization and the graduate school, especially with the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce and growing international graduate enrollments.  The Graduate School is also home to our top ranked Martin School of Public Policy and Administration. I know Susan will lead these areas well."

In her more than 25 years at UK, Carvalho has served in a number of key leadership roles including associate dean in the College of Arts & Sciences, chair of the General Education Reform Steering Committee and interim chair of the Departments of Hispanic Studies and Political Science.  At the graduate level, she has been a recipient of UK’s highest award for graduate education, the William B. Sturgill Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate Education, and she has directed 32 doctoral dissertations to completion.

Last year, Jeannine Blackwell announced her intent to retire from her position as dean of the Graduate School, which she has held for 11 years, and return to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences.

"I know everyone across the UK family joins me in thanking her for her leadership and commitment to our university," said Riordan.