November 15, 2012
For Immediate Release

University Marketing & Communications: Mike Rigert (801) 863-6807
Written by: Mike Rigert (801) 863-6807

Utah Valley University’s Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Tafalla, professor of psychology and director of the Cognitive Science Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, as UVU’s assistant vice president for scholarship and faculty development.

This new administrative position will oversee UVU’s Scholarly & Creative Activities Council, the Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence, the Office of Sponsored Programs, Grants for Engaged Learning, undergraduate research, the Office of Academic Research Support and the Institutional Review Board.

“This portfolio is designed to accelerate teaching and scholarly excellence at UVU through faculty development programs, sponsored funding and student engagement,” said Brian Birch, associate vice president for academic affairs-engaged learning.

A veteran of UW-Stout, Tafalla served in a variety of capacities there including as assistant vice-chancellor and chief diversity officer. As director of UW Stout’s Cognitive Science Program, he championed interdisciplinary scholarship with support from the National Science Foundation and other prestigious funding agencies.

“Dr. Tafalla brings an excellent combination of experience, leadership, vision and depth to UVU,” Birch said. “The Office of Academic Affairs is committed to faculty success, and this new position is one among a handful of efforts designed to provide critical support necessary for a rich learning environment.”

Tafalla will assume the duties of the position on Feb. 1.

Richard Tafalla

###

About UVU

Utah Valley University is located in Orem, Utah and is home to more than 30,000 students. UVU began as a vocational school during World War II, and in the seven decades since has evolved into a technical school, community school, state college and, finally a comprehensive regional teaching university. UVU is one of Utah’s largest institutions of higher learning and offers programs ranging from career training to high-demand master degrees, with emphasis on undergraduate education.