July 11, 2025

Dear UD Faculty and Staff,

I am pleased to share that Carol Kissal will be joining the University of Delaware as our new Interim Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration effective Sept. 1. Carol brings extensive leadership experience in higher education, including senior executive roles at Emory University and George Mason University, as well as in the transportation and technology sectors. Her background spans finance, operations, facilities, capital planning, Human Resources, Information Technologies, and research administration. She has also led major transformations in organizational design, implemented institution-wide Enterprise Resource Planning systems, and introduced data-informed planning practices. We are excited to welcome her to UD, and grateful for her support as we begin the search for our next EVP for Finance and Administration in the coming months. We also thank Melissa Bard, who took over the Chief Operating Officer responsibilities between these appointments.

In addition to the news about Carol’s arrival at UD, I want to share a few updates to our leadership structure.

I have appointed Beth Brand as the new Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). As many of you may know, Beth previously served in leadership roles within DAR, and I am confident that Beth will bring a dynamic mix of experience, expertise, and vision to this position. Her current responsibilities related to University events will move with her and become part of the DAR portfolio. Beth succeeds Jim Dicker who held the role for eight years. I am grateful for Jim’s contributions to the University and his leadership in our fundraising efforts.

With Beth’s transition, Angela Downin will now oversee the University Secretary’s office as Vice President, General Counsel and University Secretary. Under her leadership, that office will continue its important work supporting Board governance and related functions.

In addition, as we adapt our organizational structure to serve the University’s current needs, we have eliminated the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management. Rodney Morrison, who has served in this role, has left the University as a result of this change. I thank Rodney for his work supporting enrollment initiatives during a period of considerable change in higher education. Going forward, enrollment responsibilities will be shared by Yosmeriz Roman, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management: Enrollment and Access Initiatives, and Amanda Steele-Middleton, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management: Progression and Completion. These strong leaders work in great partnership in support of our recruitment, enrollment and retention efforts, and I am grateful for their dedication as they take on these expanded portfolios.

Yours in UD,