The position has been filled.
Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist recently joined the ranks of The University of Memphis administration as vice-provost for academic affairs.
Schiro-Geist comes to The U of M from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she worked as a professor in the Department of Community Health and as director of the Department of Disability and Rehabilitation Education and Training.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is located approximately 140 miles south of Chicago and has a student population of nearly 40,000.
Dean of the College of Education Dr. Ric Hovda said he believes that Schiro-Geist is fully qualified for the position.
"We were looking for a noted national academic, someone with a vision for academic development who is eager and enthusiastic about working with students," Hovda said. "Dr. Schiro-Geist exceeded all our expectations."
Over 50 individuals applied for the position, according to Hovda.
Schiro-GeistÃs broad range of experience and understanding of metropolitan issues and needs set her apart from the rest of the applicants, Hovda said.
"She's bright, engaging and responsive," Hovda said. "Students and faculty will find her very easy to talk to."
Schiro-Geist, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified rehabilitation counselor, received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Loyola University and her doctorate from Northwestern University.
Schiro-GeistÃs research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign dealt with the improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and the use of animal-assisted therapy for severely disabled children.
According to The U of M's Web site, the responsibilities of the vice-provost of academic affairs include providing leadership for undergraduate and graduate academic programs and working with the provost on strategic planning, faculty development and budgeting.
In addition to her responsibilities as vice-provost for academic affairs, Schiro-Geist will also serve on the faculty of the Department of Counseling, Education Psychology and Research in The U of M's College of Education.
Schiro-Geist could not be reached for comment at press time.
