Executive Director of Academic Affairs

May 14, 2012

Dear Colleagues:

After 35 years of outstanding service to the campus, Jody Kaufman, the Executive Director of Academic Affairs, has decided to retire effective June 28, 2012.

Jody started her career as a business officer in the department of English, but moved to her current role in the Executive Vice Chancellor’s Office in 1988.  Since that time, she has served six different Executive Vice Chancellors.   She has provided invaluable insight and sage advice on a multitude of complex campus topics and has worked tirelessly to ensure smooth transitions between administrations.

I am honored to take this opportunity to thank Jody for her extraordinary and caring leadership.  She has been highly effective in her many and varied roles, not only within Academic Affairs, but throughout the entire UCSB community.  Jody leaves behind a legacy of strong commitment to excellence and has had a profound impact on a wide variety of individuals from all segments of the campus.  She will be greatly missed. She has been an absolute joy to work with. Please join me in extending our warmest thanks and congratulations to Jody.  We wish her the best in retirement!

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Sedgwick as the new Executive Director of Academic Affairs effective July 1, 2012.  Lisa is currently the Assistant Dean in the Division of Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences, College of Letters & Science.  She has nearly 19 years of UC experience, both on our campus and formerly at UCLA.  I am looking forward to working with her in this new capacity.  Please join me in welcoming Lisa to her new role.