Michele Rasmussen

From: Paul Alivisatos
Subject: Michele Rasmussen
Date: May 15, 2023

As we prepare for Katie Callow-Wright’s departure this summer, I write to share that I have asked Dean of Students in the University, Michele Rasmussen, to provide interim leadership to the units overseen by the office of the executive vice president, beginning July 1. Michele has been at the University since 2013, and in that time, has become widely recognized across our campus for her deep knowledge and expertise. 

In her current role, Michele collaborates with campus leaders to enhance initiatives related to the intellectual, professional, and personal development of students, as well as efforts to expand and strengthen co-curricular support for their academic pursuits and post-graduation plans. Working closely with various university departments, deans, and provosts, she guides multiple departments and service areas focused on student life, including UChicago Student Wellness, the Center for Leadership and Involvement, the Center for Identity + Inclusion, UChicago HELP, Spiritual Life, Athletics and Recreation, the Office of International Affairs, Housing and Residence Life, UChicago Dining, and Student Disability Services.

Prior to joining the University, Michele held leadership roles at Bryn Mawr College and Duke University. She attained a PhD in biological anthropology and anatomy from Duke, as well as a bachelor’s degree in history and art history from the University of California, Los Angeles.

During this interim period, Michele will provide leadership and management of the University's facilities, capital planning, space planning projects, and campus master planning. Additionally, she will oversee events and ceremonies, in addition to a number of major programmatic efforts and strategic priorities, such as the Institute of Politics and the emerging Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression. 

I have every confidence that Michele will bring principled and capable oversight to these important functions during this period of transition as we seek to identify and appoint leadership for these areas. We will share more information about the search as it takes shape.