Leadership Changes in Student Affairs

Dear Deans, Directors and Department Chairs,

I write to share that we have made some initial organizational changes in Student Affairs as we work through the difficult process of defining our division’s response to the University budget reductions. 

Since my arrival in August, I have had an opportunity to speak with folks at every level of our Student Affairs team about our student-centered philosophy and approach, what it’s like to work in the division, and our strengths and opportunities for growth. In addition, I’ve consulted with senior leaders and colleagues across campus about how best to facilitate student learning and development, to support our team, and to build lasting partnerships that will continue to foster Carolina’s success in fulfilling its mission. These discussions, in context with our budget reduction requirements, have helped me assess our focus and consider our organizational structures. While these are not easy decisions, I am making several strategic changes to the Student Affairs executive team and other units that both address the Chancellor’s guidance in framing our budget reductions and will help us streamline our work, focusing our limited resources on supporting our students in an efficient and sustainable manner well into the future.

• Christopher Payne will vacate his position as of June 30, and we will discontinue the Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief Operating Officer position to realign departments with new reporting relationships. I hope you will join me in thanking Chris for his years of service, his dedication to Student Affairs, and his many contributions to Carolina. We will seek opportunities to further recognize Chris prior to his departure this summer.
• Jonathan Sauls will assume the role of Senior Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success and Administration, overseeing the Dean of Students, Student Conduct, Carolina Housing, New Student and Family Programs, and Student Affairs Finance, Information Technology and Human Resources.
• I hope to announce soon the addition of our Senior Prevention Strategy Officer to our team, as has been planned since last summer. I anticipate that this new senior leader will join us this summer and will create another opportunity for us to assess our organizational structures as well as opportunities for partnerships and integration of resources. 

Thank you for serving as valued colleagues in our work to facilitate student learning and development. We look forward to opportunities for partnership and collaboration in the future.

Sincerely,

Amy Johnson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs