Di Brezzo Named Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

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Ro Di Brezzo, vice provost for academic affairs.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ro Di Brezzo, University Professor in the department of health, human performance and recreation in the College of Education and Health Professions, has been selected as the vice provost of academic affairs at the University of Arkansas. She has served as interim vice provost for the past year.

Di Brezzo was chosen after a campuswide search process, in which she competed with other strong finalists, and was recommended for the permanent position by the search committee, chaired by Jim Rankin, vice provost for research and economic development.

Di Brezzo previously served as chair of the Faculty Senate in 2010-11 and chair of the Campus Faculty in 2009-10. She served one year as interim head of the department of health, kinesiology, recreation and dance (now known as the department of health, human performance and recreation), and was named a University Professor in 2006; she has been director of the Human Performance Lab since 1999.

“Dr. Di Brezzo has proven her ability to advocate for, and work with, the faculty, as well as students,” said Sharon Gaber, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “She has demonstrated a strong capacity for problem solving.”

In the position of vice provost for academic affairs, Di Brezzo will lead faculty development efforts across the university campus, helping faculty work toward promotion while maximizing their opportunities to use new teaching techniques and tools. She will also coordinate the campus process for reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association Colleges and Schools. While serving as interim vice provost she led the campus effort to revise academic integrity processes and pushed for a revised, improved teacher and course evaluation system. She will continue to oversee both of these areas in her new role. 

“Dr. Di Brezzo has carefully shepherded new initiatives to improve academic quality and reputation at the University of Arkansas,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “We are pleased she will be permanently contributing to academic affairs.”

Di Brezzo received the Baum Teaching Award in 1999 and was one of the co-founders and co-directors of the Teaching and Faculty Support Center. She has received the College of Education and Health Professions Outstanding Teaching Award twice, the college’s Outstanding Research Award, and the Southern Academy of Women in Physical Activity Sport and Health Research Award twice. In 2011, she was named a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.

“Anyone who has known Ro for any length of time knows that she has a passion for working with students and faculty at the University of Arkansas,” said Timothy Kral, current chair of the Campus Faculty. “She will make a splendid vice provost for academic affairs.”

Prior to joining the University of Arkansas, Di Brezzo taught and coached at Ball State University and Central Michigan University. She received her doctoral degree from the Texas Woman’s University, her master’s degree from Indiana University and her bachelor of science degree from Brooklyn College.