Contact:
Julia Kent
jkent@cgs.nche.edu
(202) 223-3791(202) 223-3791

Appointment of Senior Academic Leader for UNC System to Begin July 1

Washington, D.C. – The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) today announced the appointment of Suzanne Ortega, currently Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for the 17-campus University of North Carolina, as its sixth president. Dr. Ortega has held a diverse range of senior academic leadership positions in higher education and in graduate education specifically, serving as Chair of the CGS Board in 2005 and as Chair of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools in 2003.

Dr. Ortega will assume the chief leadership role at the Council beginning on July 1. Debra W. Stewart, CGS’s President since 2000, announced her plan to step down from the role in October 2013.

“We are delighted that Dr. Ortega has agreed to lead the Council as it furthers its mission to improve and advance graduate education,” said James Wimbush, current Chair of the CGS Board. “Her deep knowledge of graduate education—and understanding of CGS’s diverse membership—will ensure that CGS’s impact continues to grow in the United States and internationally.”

Prior to her appointment at UNC, Dr. Ortega was Executive Vice President and Provost at the University of New Mexico from 2008-2011. She served among the group that CGS most directly represents, graduate deans, while Vice Provost and Graduate Dean at the University of Washington (2005-2008) and also at the University of Missouri-Columbia (2000-2005). An expert in mental health epidemiology, health services, and race and ethnic relations, Dr. Ortega received her PhD in sociology from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Ortega has also led the graduate community through a number of board and committee service positions, including the Executive Board of NASULGC (APLU)’s Council on Research Policy and Graduate Education; the National Academy of Science’s Committee on the Assessment of the Research Doctorate; the CGS-ETS Commission on Pathways through Graduate School and into Careers; and the CGS Advisory Committee on Minorities in Graduate Education.

“For over fifty years, CGS has helped graduate institutions meet the challenges of our nation and local communities,” said Dr. Ortega. “American higher education is at a critical juncture, and I look forward to working with graduate deans, faculty, and students at member institutions to advance best practices and develop and advocate for federal policies that strengthen graduate education and research.” Dr. Ortega added, “Debra Stewart has been an extraordinarily effective leader for CGS, and I am deeply honored to follow her as president.”