Office of the Provost

Dear Hartford Campus Community,

I am very pleased to announce the reappointment of Mark Overmyer-Velázquez, Professor of History and Latinx and Latin American Studies, as director of the UConn Hartford Campus for a second term of five years, effective August 23, 2022.

This renewal recognizes Dr. Overmyer-Velázquez’s efforts in developing and leading the Hartford Campus as its inaugural director. A few highlights during his tenure include sustained growth in undergraduate enrollment and expansion in course offerings; development of a new research initiative; increases in the number of staff of color at the campus; establishing philanthropic support for the campus; and numerous partnerships to center the campus in the Hartford community.

In addition to Dr. Overmyer-Velázquez’s leadership of the Hartford Campus, he has provided significant service to UConn, including chairing search committees for the chief diversity officer and the Stamford Campus Director, and leading a task force to establish Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status at UConn.

The review process works best when it is collaborative and comprehensive. I am grateful to all of the faculty, staff, and other key partners of the campus who shared your feedback on Dr. Overmyer-Velázquez’s leadership. There were several common themes regarding his leadership, including strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; developing community among campus faculty, staff, and students; and communicating a clear vision for the campus internally and externally.

I also want to thank the review committee for their thoughtful engagement in this process. The committee was chaired by Gladis Kersaint, Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, and included the following members: Mohamad Alkadry, Director of the School of Public Policy; Alaina Brenick, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences; Nina Heller, Dean of the School of Social Work; Milagros Marrero-Johnson, Director of Strategic Programming for the School of Social Work; Eboni Nelson, Dean of the School of Law; and Kim Schwarz, Director of Event Services for the Hartford Campus. Alexis Cassan, Executive Assistant to the Provost and Chief of Staff, managed administration of the committee.

Dr. Overmyer-Velázquez has been the driving force behind the success of the Hartford Campus. He has demonstrated a passion and commitment for the success of the students, faculty, and staff at the campus, as well as for connecting the work of UConn to the greater Hartford community. I look forward to his continued leadership for the Hartford Campus. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Overmyer-Velázquez on his reappointment and thanking him for his dedication and hard work on behalf of the University.

Sincerely,
Anne

Anne D’Alleva
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs