Dr. Kate Barraclough to serve as Vice Provost for Education

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon Community:

I write to share the exciting news that following a global search, Dr. Kate Barraclough has been selected to serve as CMU’s next vice provost for education (VPE), effective August 1, 2024. 

As vice provost for education, Dr. Barraclough will oversee the university’s educational programs, including the development and implementation of university-wide academic policies and procedures, new academic offerings, and curricular innovation and coordination across CMU’s schools and colleges. Dr. Barraclough will also partner with academic and administrative units to advance integrative learning and high-impact educational practices through the work of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development and the Leonard Gelfand Center for Service Learning and Outreach, as well as the University Lecture Series and other distinctive university experiences. Under her leadership, the VPE Office will continue developing innovative, evidence-based approaches to enhance student learning, scholarship and engagement, and tailoring programs and services to meet the diverse needs of the CMU community. Dr. Barraclough will partner closely with Dr. Amy Burkert, senior vice provost for academic initiatives, who will continue to oversee the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, the Simon Initiative and the Rales Fellows program.

Dr. Barraclough has been a member of the CMU community for nearly a decade having joined the Tepper School of Business in 2015. Currently, as associate dean of master’s programs and teaching professor of finance, she works closely with Tepper’s leadership and faculty to set the strategic direction for the school’s master’s programs and oversees program curricula, academic policies and student success. Previously, she served as head of Tepper’s world-class MBA program, which is offered both on campus and online, overseeing all aspects of the program including admissions, financial aid, student services, leadership development, and career planning and employment. Her deep experience and expertise in this area will undoubtedly position her for success as VPE.

Before joining CMU, Dr. Barraclough served as director of Vanderbilt University’s master’s in finance program, where she oversaw strategic leadership of the program as well as its daily operations, including admissions, curriculum, career management and alumni relations. Her career also includes work in KPMG’s Financial Advisory Services practice in Canberra, Australia, where she led budget analysis and financial models for government programs and clients. She earned her Ph.D. in finance and bachelor’s degree in economics and commerce from the Australian National University.

When I announced the search for this position earlier in the year, I was encouraged by our community’s response and interest in identifying the next leader for this important role. Throughout the search, community members from across the university shared their feedback and insights with the search committee, and I thank everyone who took the time to engage in this process — your engagement is truly valued. I also thank the search committee and its chairs, Mary Ellen Poole, the Stanley and Marcia Gumberg Dean of the College of Fine Arts, and Becky Culyba, vice provost for strategic initiatives and chief of staff to the provost, for their leadership and guidance. They were instrumental in ensuring a diverse pool of extremely qualified candidates and ultimately recommending Dr. Barraclough as the best person to serve in this role.

Dr. Barraclough is a demonstrated leader, innovative contributor and dedicated supporter of CMU’s exceptional students. Throughout the search, it was clear she brings the right skills and unique perspectives to this critical role that furthers CMU’s signature educational experience. I look forward to working with her and building upon the strong foundation in the Office of the Vice Provost for Education. I know she looks forward to engaging with faculty, students, staff and partners in her new role.

Please join me in congratulating Kate and wishing her great success as CMU’s vice provost for education.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer