VCU news

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley
Division of University Relations

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, Ph.D., today announced the appointment of Gail Hackett, Ph.D., to the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Hackett’s appointment as VCU’s chief academic officer follows a national search and is effective March 1, 2015. Hackett currently serves as provost and executive vice chancellor at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, a position she has held since 2008.

“Gail Hackett is a strong and accomplished academic leader and scholar with a clear commitment to the success and achievement of students and faculty members at all levels,” Rao said. “She is an effective senior administrator with the demonstrated ability to meet the emerging challenges of public higher education at a complex research institution.

“I am especially impressed with her innovative approaches to achieving strategic goals and managing change at evolving institutions,” Rao said. “She is a great fit for VCU.”

At UMKC, Hackett led the strategic planning committee that created and developed the university’s 10-year strategic plan, guiding academic strategic plans and a new campus master plan that emphasizes research, student success and diversity. She also chaired the university budget committee, which resulted in UMKC implementing a new responsibility-based budget model. Under Hackett’s leadership, UMKC significantly increased quality program and course offerings through online and distance learning.

“VCU is distinct in its equal dedication to research and student learning success. This is rare among major public research universities and aligns with my values and experience,” Hackett said. “VCU has an extraordinary trajectory – and with its community involvement and urban setting it is an exciting place to be on so many levels.”

Previously, Hackett served in a number of administrative positions during her 20-year career at Arizona State University, including university vice provost and founding dean of University College. Hackett also held faculty positions at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and The Ohio State University.

In addition to the administrative appointment at VCU, Hackett also will hold an academic appointment as professor of psychology in the College of Humanities and Sciences.

Hackett received a Ph.D. in counseling psychology, a Master of Education degree in counseling and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Pennsylvania State University.