Vice Provost for Global Engagement

I am pleased to announce that F. Joel Ferguson, professor of computer engineering, has agreed to serve as the interim vice provost for global engagement, effective immediately. Joel assumes this new position following his appointment as senior international officer and associate vice provost of international education last year.

In this role, Joel will provide campuswide leadership in the prioritization of strategic goals;  execution of programs that increase the success of international students; establishment of worldwide research partnerships; and raising the campus's international presence.

The Division of Global Engagement will be responsible for programs and issues related to our international students, education-abroad programs, international scholars and exchange visitors, and international initiatives involving collaborations in research, teaching and service.

Joel joined the UC Santa Cruz faculty in 1987. He earned a B.S. in engineering analysis and design from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He received his master of science in electrical engineering (MSEE) and Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. 

A member of the Association of International Education Administrators, Joel has served as undergraduate director and chair of computer engineering, associate dean of undergraduate affairs at the Baskin School of Engineering, Crown College provost, and faculty director of programs abroad.

Details of a formal recruitment for the vice provost for global engagement will be shared when available.

Please join me in thanking Joel for taking on this critical role.