UMD News: February 16, 2012

Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830

Vince Magnuson, UMD Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration emeritus

George Mehaffy to speak on transforming higher education

UMD's Vince Magnuson, the university's highly regarded former Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration who retired in July 2011, will receive a prestigious national award for academic leadership on Monday, February 20 at 3 p.m. in the UMD Weber Music Hall. After the presentation, prominent higher education leader George Mehaffy will talk about "Transforming Higher Education in Perilous Times: Navigating our Way to the 21st Century." This presentation will provide material for the continued work of implementing the UMD Strategic Plan. A reception will follow the presentation.

During the 2011 annual meeting of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) American Democracy Project, Magnuson was selected to receive the 2011 William Plater Award for Leadership in Civic Engagement. This award recognizes a chief academic officer for leadership in institutionalizing civic engagement on a campus. Magnuson is only the sixth chief academic officer to receive this award that was established in 2006.

The award committee selected Magnuson because of his commitment to fostering civic outcomes for students. During his distinguished service to UMD, Magnuson served as a vital link between the academic community and the leaders of the campus.

"Chief academic officers make a critical difference in articulation of purpose, in the alignment of actions, and in the quality, scope and effectiveness of institutional performance," said Cecilia Orphan, the national manager for the American Democracy Project. "The Plater Award is the first national award established specifically to honor and recognize CAO's for their leadership in higher education."

Additional Information
Mehaffy serves as the Vice President for Academic Leadership and Change at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). His division is responsible for a number of special programs and projects for AASCU presidents and chief academic officers in the areas of leadership and organizational change in higher education, focusing on issues such as technology, teacher education, international education, and civic engagement. Some of his recent projects have included a comprehensive partnership program that paired AASCU institutions with Chinese universities; an articulation and transfer initiative with the American Association of Community Colleges; a collaborative effort with two other national organizations on graduation rates; and a series of technology conferences involving university teams at the University of Central Florida.

Magnuson was announced as the recipient of the William Plater Award for Leadership in Civic Engagement at the American Democracy Project meeting in June, 2011. The Plater Award is the first national award established specifically to honor and recognize chief academic officers for their leadership in higher education. Vince is only the sixth recipient of this award from over 400 AASCU institutions. He retired as UMD Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration in July of 2011 and continues to work on special campus projects.

UMD News Releases