Vice Provost Doneka Scott leaving UO in February 2021

Doneka Scott, the vice provost for undergraduate education and student success who has been a strong advocate for students, has accepted a senior leadership position at North Carolina State University and will leave the UO in February, Provost and Vice President Patrick Phillips announced Friday.

Scott will become the vice chancellor and dean of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs at North Carolina State; her last day at the UO will be Feb. 12.

“I send this message with strongly mixed emotions, as Doneka has played a vital role in dramatically advancing our student success mission,” Phillips said in a message to faculty and staff. “Yet, I am happy that Doneka is able to move on to a top leadership position with a diverse and comprehensive portfolio at an important research university.”

Scott came to the UO in August 2016. In her role she has lead improvements to graduation rates at the UO, both as vice provost of the division and in her previous role as associate vice provost for student success and associate dean for undergraduate studies.

Four-year graduation rates climbed more than 10 percentage points, from 49.9 in 2014 to 60.7 in 2019, exceeding a goal set by President Michael Schill a year ahead of schedule.

“Our ability to break down institutional silos and collaborate across campus in a student-centered fashion has had a tremendous impact on improving our students’ experiences and success outcomes,” Scott said last fall about the increase.

Scott had a hand in several initiatives related to student success outcomes, including serving as the architect of the “Flight Paths” student advising framework for first-year programs and academic and career advising. She also helped the university launch Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall, the new academic and career advising building on campus.

Kimberly Johnson, assistant vice provost for advising, will serve as interim vice provost when Scott departs. The Office of the Provost will decide how it will conduct a search for Scott’s permanent replacement. Johnson’s first day in the role will be Feb. 15, 2021.

“Please join me in congratulating Doneka and sharing appreciation for the profound impact she has had on the university,” Phillips’ message said in closing.