Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Indrajeet Chaubey for a second five-year term as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). This decision follows an exhaustive review conducted by a dedicated committee, tasked with evaluating Dean Chaubey’s leadership and overall contributions to the College over the last five years.

Dean Chaubey’s leadership has been characterized by significant achievements that align closely with the College’s mission and the broader goals of UConn. Under his guidance, the College has seen significant growth in enrollment, with record numbers of undergraduate and graduate students. In order to continue to meet the evolving needs of our students and the industries we serve, Dean Chaubey has led the development and implementation of innovative academic programs across CAHNR and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. These programs have not only enriched our educational offerings but have also positioned us as leaders in fields critical to sustainability, as well as human, animal, and environmental health.

Since Dean Chaubey’s arrival to UConn in 2019, CAHNR’s research enterprise has also seen significant growth, more than doubling in five years to $41.5 million in FY23. This is thanks in part to Dean Chaubey’s ability to effectively foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, investment in faculty success, and the advancement of the College’s Strategic Vision which is aligned with UConn and CAHNR’s strengths. The recognition our research has received, both nationally and internationally, is a testament to the vibrant scholarly environment he has nurtured.

Furthermore, Dean Chaubey’s adept administrative skills have greatly enhanced our operational efficiency and transparency, creating a supportive atmosphere that enables both faculty and staff to excel. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been reflected across various dimensions of the College’s activities, from recruitment to programming, contributing to a more equitable academic environment.

Dean Chaubey’s engagement with stakeholders—ranging from faculty and staff to alumni, industry partners, governmental agencies, and the communities we serve—has significantly strengthened the College’s external relationships. During his first term, Dean Chaubey led efforts to expand the impact of UConn Extension in all 169 of Connecticut’s municipalities. With nearly 174,000 residents reached through 506 programs across the state in 2023 alone, UConn Extension’s ability to authentically engage with our communities continues to grow. These relationships have been pivotal in expanding our resources and enhancing our educational, research, and service capabilities.

As we look ahead, I am confident in Dean Chaubey’s ability to continue to lead CAHNR with distinction and foresight. The ongoing dialogue he maintains with our community is vital in shaping a transparent and inclusive future for the College.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the review committee for their commitment and thoroughness throughout the evaluation process. Special thanks to Dean Philip Hritcko, Professor Mary Anne Amalaradjou, Tina Burnham, Professor Bonnie Burr, Professor Robert Day, Professor Elaine Lee, and Professor Justin Nash, who spent countless hours gathering feedback, analyzing data, and compiling a comprehensive report that has been extremely valuable in guiding this decision.

Thank you once again to all members of our community for your unwavering support of our mission and your contributions to our success as a land-grant institution. As we move into the summer, I wish each of you a season filled with growth, reflection, and well-deserved rest.

Sincerely,

Anne

Anne D’Alleva, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice President
University of Connecticut
Office of the Provost
352 Mansfield Road, U-1086
Storrs CT 06269-1086
Tel. 860-486-4037

 UConn is a great university.

But it’s more than that. A top-ranked Land Grant research institution, with campuses and staff across Connecticut, built to inspire the global community that is UConn Nation. UConn’s talented students exceed expectations. Our expert researchers, faculty, and alumni drive Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (CIE) for a better tomorrow. We fuel the State’s economy and are committed to inclusion with emotional intelligence in benefiting the greater good. This is UConn.

 STUDENTS FIRST, UCONN ALWAYS. HUSKIES FOREVER.

Dear Colleagues,

I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Tadarrayl Starke as our new Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success, effective July 1. Dr. Starke’s extensive background and proven leadership in enhancing student success make him exceptionally suited for this role, and we are fortunate to have such a visionary leader joining our senior administrative team.

Dr. Starke has been an integral part of the UConn family as the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success, where he has overseen a diverse and expansive division. His leadership has been instrumental in supporting key programs such as the First-Year Programs and Learning Communities department, the Academic Achievement Center, and the Office of Student Retention. His efforts have significantly enriched our student support services and have played a crucial role in our institution’s strides towards enhanced academic and community engagement across all campuses.

Prior to his tenure at UConn, Dr. Starke made significant impacts at Florida State University as the Director and Department Chair for the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE). There, he led initiatives that dramatically increased retention and graduation rates, particularly for first-generation and low-income students. These achievements contributed to FSU’s rise in national rankings and underscored Dr. Starke’s expertise in elevating academic success through inclusive and comprehensive strategies.

Dr. Starke’s vision for the role of Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success at UConn is to cultivate an environment where academic performance is integrated with deep and meaningful engagement to address the multifaceted needs of our student body. He plans to enhance our educational practices by focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which are essential for fostering a thriving academic community.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the search committee, chaired by Vice Provost Dan Schwartz, for their exceptional work throughout the search process. Their commitment to thoroughness and excellence has been crucial in selecting a candidate whose vision and values align so closely with our institutional goals.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Dr. Tadarrayl Starke to his new role. We eagerly anticipate the innovative contributions he will bring, enhancing our commitment to student success and setting new benchmarks for academic excellence and student well-being.

Anne D’Alleva, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice President
University of Connecticut
Office of the Provost
352 Mansfield Road, U-1086
Storrs CT 06269-1086
Tel. 860-486-4037

UConn is a great university.

But it’s more than that. A top-ranked Land and Sea Grant research institution, with campuses and staff across Connecticut, built to inspire the global community that is UConn Nation. UConn’s talented students exceed expectations. Our expert researchers, faculty, and alumni drive Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (CIE) for a better tomorrow. We fuel the State’s economy and are committed to inclusion with emotional intelligence in benefiting the greater good. This is UConn.

STUDENTS FIRST. UCONN ALWAYS. HUSKIES FOREVER.