Dear Colleagues,

Brown is renowned for exceptional and innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and the University is committed to advancing continued excellence. Given the increasing complexity and scale of Brown, and the importance of maximizing existing resources to fully support and enhance ongoing instructional development, I write to provide information about steps we are taking to create an integrated and robust center for teaching and learning at Brown.
 
The Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning has long promoted and provided opportunities to support evidence-based teaching to create an inclusive environment where all learners can succeed. To better highlight that the Sheridan Center is a University-wide resource with offerings available for the entire academic community, we will transition the Center from its current organizational home within the College to the Office of the Provost, effective August 1, 2020. Further, with the increased attention to instructional technology in this work, and the strong partnership that exists with the Digital Learning & Design (DLD) team and the Sheridan Center, we will integrate these entities, with Digital Learning & Design becoming a hub of the expanded Sheridan Center, further strengthening the existing synergies. This integration is also effective as of August 1, 2020.   

This deliberate strategic coordination will facilitate ease of access to the range of services, resources and development opportunities, and streamline the experience for students and instructors in support of teaching and learning at Brown. Brown community members will continue to access support through [email protected] and [email protected]. 

In addition, as part of this shift, I am pleased to announce that Sheridan Center Executive Director Mary Wright will now report directly to the Provost, and will serve as Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning. In this role, she will direct the expanded Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning. Further, in recognition of her exceptional leadership of DLD, especially in ensuring the University’s academic continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Catherine Zabriskie has been promoted to Senior Director for Digital Learning & Design, reporting to Mary Wright. These appointments are effective August 1, 2020.  

I am grateful to Mary Wright and Catherine Zabriskie for everything that they have done to develop a plan for this integration, and for the excellent work that they, together with their teams, have devoted to supporting the University’s academic community – especially over the last six months. I also appreciate the collaboration and cooperation of Dean of the College Rashid Zia and Chief Digital Officer and Chief Technology Officer William Thirsk, who have been instrumental in this planning.

Sincerely,

Richard M. Locke
Provost