Zukoski to leave UB for USC

Charles F. “Chip” Zukoski, who has served as UB’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs since 2012, is leaving the university to become provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Southern California.

His appointment at USC, effective Oct. 1, was announced to the UB community today by President Satish K. Tripathi.

As UB’s second-ranking officer, Zukoski has been responsible for overseeing all academic and academic-support programs. Under his leadership, the university has transformed its general education program, increased international and experiential learning opportunities, significantly improved graduation rates, grown and diversified the student body, and enhanced faculty research productivity and impact. 

“A talented higher education leader and an internationally renowned scholar, Chip has provided astute leadership that has both contributed to UB’s rise in the ranks of national public research universities and helped position us exceedingly well to make an even greater impact on the many communities we serve,” Tripathi said.

He noted in particular Zukoski’s work with the deans to “cultivate and articulate the direction for a robust culture of inter-disciplinarity in both UB’s academic programs and research. As a result of his exemplary leadership in these areas, UB is distinctly recognized for our innovative education programs, creative activities, scholarship and research,” Tripathi said.

He also cited Zukoski’s “strategic direction and leadership” in the revamping of UB’s general education program, pointing out that the new UB Curriculum “has enriched our educational experience with its student-centered approach to general education, its focus on experiential learning opportunities, its customizable structure and its emphasis on global perspectives.”

Tripathi also praised Zukoski for establishing in 2014 the position of vice provost for inclusive excellence, a post designed “to promote equity and inclusion in all of our activities, and to ensure that all members of our campus community feel welcome, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential.”

In the coming days, Tripathi will share plans for the interim leadership for the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.