FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar has announced the selection of Reinhold Hill as the new vice chancellor and dean of Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus.
Hill, who currently serves as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University, is expected to begin his new position on July 1 pending approval by the IU Board of Trustees.
The vice chancellor and dean is the senior-most executive appointment at IUPUC and reports to Paydar.
IUPUC’s mission is to be the first choice for those who seek a small-campus experience in south-central Indiana emphasizing intellectual and personal development, community engagement, and preparation to enter the workforce. IUPUC primarily serves students who live in Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Ripley and Shelby counties and delivers higher education through selected degree programs and the advancement of knowledge aligned with regional needs.
“Reinhold brings a broad range of academic experiences as well as a deep understanding of higher education to the leadership of IUPUC,” said Paydar. “His strong history of supporting student-success initiatives will make a positive impact at IUPUC, which is such a valuable part of the Columbus community and south-central Indiana more broadly.”
In addition to his role as dean at Governors State University, Hill is also a professor of English. His accomplishments at Governors State include establishing a lower division program and general-education coursework in the College of Arts and Sciences; creating the College and division bylaws; integrating the Center for Performing Arts and the Department of Digital Learning and Media Design into the academic programs at the College; and leading successful enrollment activities and growth for the College.
Prior to his work at Governors State, Hill held leadership positions at Ferris State University, including department head of the Department of Languages and Literature as well as associate dean and interim dean for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Hill holds a B.A. in communication studies from Brigham Young University, an M.A. in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Missouri. He also successfully completed the Management Development Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
“I am honored and excited to begin serving as the vice chancellor and dean at IUPUC,” said Hill. “Faculty, staff, students and members of the Columbus community have been extremely thoughtful, encouraging and helpful throughout the hiring process and in introducing me to all aspects of IUPUC. I look forward to a meaningful and productive partnership with all stakeholders as we work together to advance IUPUC.”
Hill is succeeding Laurence Richards, who has been serving in an interim capacity since July 2015. Richards was previously executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at IU East.
“Larry has provided the vision and leadership that have reinforced the vital role IUPUC plays in south-central Indiana,” said Paydar. “We are grateful for his commitment and willingness to serve at such an important moment in the life of IUPUC.”
IUPUC offers access to degrees from both Indiana University and Purdue University; undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, communication studies, education, English, general studies, nursing and psychology; and the courses for degrees in mechanical engineering, sociology and biology.