As part of his plan to more closely integrate CWRU's academic and administrative structures, President Edward M. Hundert has announced a new appointment and several changes in titles and responsibilities for University administrators.

Rhonda Gross has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University, while Lynn Singer has been appointed deputy provost and vice president for academic programs. Gross had held the title of senior vice president for finance and administration, and Singer had been vice provost.

In addition, Hundert announced that the executive committee of the University's Board of Trustees has approved a new management position, vice president of the corporation. Susan Shurin, professor of pediatrics and oncology, will occupy the position. Shurin will advise the board and the president on issues of University governance and other areas requiring advice and assistance.

Hundert explained that Gross will have "cross-cutting responsibilities, emphasizing that our administrative functions are not isolated from our core academic activities."

Singer will take on some traditional provostial responsibilities and oversee campus-wide initiatives such as those involving women and minorities, support for graduate and post-doctoral students and new educational initiatives. Singer also will continue to serve as interim vice president for medical affairs at the CWRU School of Medicine.

The appointments follow the creation of the Office of the President and the Provost, announced in August, which joins activities traditionally associated with the internal and external leadership of the University. James W. Wagner holds the titles of provost and University vice president.

Also, Donald L. Feke, formerly interim associate provost, will assume the new title of vice provost for planning and assessment. In this capacity, he will lead CWRU's efforts in organizing for reaccreditation in 2004 and continue to work with deans and administrators on cross-cutting initiatives. He will be in the provost's office half-time, while retaining his teaching and research activities with the Case School of Engineering.

The goal of the new structure, Hundert explained, is to create a "three-dimensional team" of Wagner, Gross and Singer.

"On any given issue, Jim will have 'vertical' responsibility with the deans reporting to him, Lynn will work academic issues across the eight schools 'horizontally' and Rhonda will provide a third axis, ensuring that plans made are operationalized and executed," Hundert said in a statement.

Hundert also said the changes resulted from conversations with national academic leaders, business organization specialists and senior CWRU administrators since January, when his appointment as president was announced.

"I have been impressed by the strength of the leaders who so ably built momentum during the last year and have concluded that the future will require both a larger team and one that blends rather than separates leadership skills," he said.