Dr. Mary Hoffman named associate vice chancellor for academic affairs

After a national search, Dr. Mary Hoffman has been named permanent associate vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire after nearly four years in the interim position.

Hoffman, who was named interim associate vice chancellor and interim dean of graduate studies in summer 2020, began the permanent vice chancellor position on March 25.

“During Dr. Hoffman’s UW-Eau Claire career, she has consistently advocated that student success, both inside and outside the classroom, be the measure of our university’s success,” says Dr. Michael Carney, interim provost. “Through her past leadership of several co-curricular academic units and her oversight of our curricular processes, she has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring students have equitable access to these programs and resources. She is clearly the right person for this role.”

Hoffman has been at UW-Eau Claire since 2008, when she was hired to be chair of the communication and journalism department. She served in that role until June 2016, when she became interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and interim dean of graduate studies until June 2017. She was director of academic planning and assessment from 2017-2020.

The associate vice chancellor supports the office of the provost and other academic units, and curriculum development and review. The associate vice chancellor is the liaison between the Universities of Wisconsin administration and UW-Eau Claire on program development and other system initiatives.

“Faculty and staff across campus do excellent work every day to support student learning and success at UW-Eau Claire,” Hoffman says. “I am pleased to take on the permanent position as associate vice chancellor of academic affairs and continue work as part of this great team.”

Hoffman holds a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University and a master’s degree from Colorado State University, both in speech communication, and a Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Kansas.