Skop named Interim Vice Provost & Associate Vice Chancellor

The Office of Faculty Affairs has named Emily Skop, Ph.D. as Interim Vice Provost & Associate Vice Chancellor. In this role, Skop will fill immediate commitments to faculty success, compliance in the tenure, grievance, and sabbatical processes, and strategic initiatives related to faculty recruitment, development and retention.

A professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Skop is a nationally-recognized scholar whose work on global migration, refugee resettlement, and placemaking has shaped both academic and community practices. Her leadership in the Project CREST and Convening Care initiatives demonstrates her ability to foster evidence-based, equity-driven change in higher education. She will lead efforts to enhance faculty support, workplace culture, and academic policy through a collaborative and caring approach.

“Our faculty are a pillar of our university, and this interim appointment allows us to act swiftly in elevating support and engagement,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Lynn Vidler. “It’s a move that will bring lasting benefits to our campus community while laying the groundwork for long-term success.”

Skop brings a strong ethos of resiliency to her leadership, emphasizing inclusive, evidence-based strategies to enhance faculty engagement and workplace climate. Her interim appointment reflects a commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and equitable academic environment that mirrors the faculty affairs offices across the CU system.

“I’m honored to step into this inaugural role as Interim Vice Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs,” said Skop. “I am confident that what we will bring about positive change in the ever-shifting, complicated tapestry of higher education. I see this moment as a critical opportunity to engage our curiosity and foster a culture of care—and I come to the Provost’s Office ready to work side by side with our UCCS community and contribute meaningfully to the mission of the institution.” 

In addition to this interim leadership appointment, the Office of Faculty Affairs will begin the search for the Staff Director of Faculty Affairs. The staff director will provide strategic administrative support to the Vice Provost, manage faculty reporting systems, and ensure effective communication between the Office of Faculty Affairs, Human Resources, College Human Resource Liaisons, and the CU System.

Continuous updates for the Office of Faculty Affairs search timelines and development will be emailed, archived on the new communications webpage, and posted to the UCCS News as appropriate.