People : Office of the Provost : UMass Amherst

Senior Vice Provosts

Farshid Hajir

Senior Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education

Farshid Hajir serves as Senior Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He received his undergraduate degree with high honors from Princeton in 1988 and his PhD at MIT in 1993, both in Mathematics. Following appointments as Olga and John Taussky-Todd Instructor at Caltech, and as a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at UCLA, he held an assistant professorship at the California State University, San Marcos. Following a one-year appointment as Visiting Assistant Professor at UNC Chapel Hill, Hajir joined the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at UMass Amherst in 2002 as Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure and Professor in 2006 and 2012, respectively.

Kalpen Trivedi

Senior Vice Provost for Global Affairs

Kalpen Trivedi is Vice Provost for Global Affairs, responsible for leading campus-wide initiatives for global engagement and he directs the International Programs Office. He also serves as a Senior Advisor on Global Strategies in the University of Massachusetts President’s Office.

Jacqueline Urla

Senior Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School

Jacqueline Urla is professor of anthropology at UMass Amherst. Her research has primarily focused on activism to protect minority languages in Europe, with a special focus on the Basque Country of Northern Spain. She is a past scholar in residence of the School of Advanced Research in Santa Fe, New Mexico and the recipient of fellowships from the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Social Science Research Council. Urla has been a faculty member at UMass Amherst since 1990 and has held various leadership roles as chair of anthropology, director of the modern European studies program, and interim-director of the interdepartmental film studies program, and she currently directs the Douglass Chair in Basque cultural studies. She became dean of the Graduate School in January 2021, and Senior Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School in July 2025.

Wilmore Webley

Senior Vice Provost for Equity & Inclusion

Dr. Webley is a Professor of Microbiology and Senior Vice Provost of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Webley was born in Dry Hill District, Bellas Gate P.O, St. Catherine, Jamaica and was the first in his family to attend high school (Old Harbour Hight School) and college. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology at Northern Caribbean University. Webley then earned the M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with expertise in Immunology, Infectious Disease, Host-pathogen interactions, and a concentration in vaccine development.

Dr. Webley is a Fulbright Scholar, a recipient of the Manning Prize for Excellence in Teaching, and the Distinguished Teaching Award in recognition for outstanding teaching accomplishments

John Wells

Senior Vice Provost for Lifelong Learning

John D. Wells is Senior Vice Provost for Lifelong Learning at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. John received his B.B.A. degree in Management from the University of Oklahoma and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Management Information Systems from Texas A&M University. As Senior Vice Provost for Lifelong Learning, Dr. Wells oversees the strategic integration of online learning into the overarching educational mission at UMass Amherst. In this role, Dr. Wells’ primary responsibility is to provide instructors with the tools and techniques that are conducive to online learning, guide online program growth and development, and enhance the online/off-campus student experience.

Tilman Wolf

Senior Vice Provost and Deputy Chancellor for Operational and Organizational Strategies

Tilman Wolf is Deputy Chancellor for Operational and Organizational Strategies, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He holds degrees from the University of Stuttgart and Washington University in St. Louis. His responsibilities include campus-level initiatives, such as assigning space use, planning capital projects, reducing the campus’ carbon footprint, implementing flexible learning, and coordinating artificial intelligence tools.

Vice Provosts

Michael Eagen

Vice Provost for Academic Human Resources

Michael Eagen is Vice Provost for Academic Human Resources. Michael leads the Academic HR team and provides strategic leadership and direction for all academic HR and labor relations matters on behalf of the Chancellor and Provost. Prior to joining UMASS, Michael served as the Director of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations for the University of Connecticut Department of Human Resources. He also had a joint appointment as labor counsel in UConn’s Office of the General Counsel. Eagen received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Connecticut and his J.D., Cum Laude, from Western New England University School of Law.

Deborah Gould

Vice Provost for Administration and Finance

Deborah Gould is Vice Provost for Administration & Finance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is a financial professional with nearly 30 years of experience in university administration. Gould earned an M.B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley, and holds a B.A. degree in economics from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. In her years at the university, Gould’s responsibilities have ranged from budgetary oversight and administration to financial and cost analysis to implementation and support of administrative applications. In her current position, Gould has led efforts to ensure a strong financial position in Academic Affairs through efficient allocation and stewardship of resources, creation of alternative revenue streams, and strategic growth.

Sundar Krishnamurty

Vice Provost for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity

Sundar Krishnamurty serves as Vice Provost for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Sarah Poissant

Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Sarah Poissant is the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and oversees—in collaboration with campus leaders as well as with the President’s Office, the Board of Trustees, and the Board of Higher Education—the Academic Quality Assessment and Development (AQAD) and accreditation processes, new degree program development, and faculty affairs and leadership development, as well as supports strategic initiatives of the Provost’s Office. Sarah has served as chair of the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and as a member of the SPHHS Dean’s Executive Council. As a Chancellor’s Leadership Fellow, she gained significant experience designing and leading campuswide initiatives to advance faculty development, and as chair of the Graduate Council, she advised the graduate dean and helped shape policies and programs that strengthened the graduate student experience.

James Roche

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management

James Roche is the vice provost for enrollment management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is responsible for the Offices of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid Services.

Laura Vandenberg

Associate Vice Chancellor and Vice Provost for Research and Engagement

Laura Vandenberg is Associate Vice Chancellor and Vice Provost for Research and Engagement and Professor of Environmental Health Sciences. She previously served as interim/acting vice chancellor for research and engagement. In her current role, Dr. Vandenberg provides administrative oversight for UMass Amherst centers and institutes, works to advance community engaged research programs, and is engaged with the university’s federal and international research strategies.

Elizabeth (Liz) Williams

Vice Provost for Analytics and Assessment

Dr. Williams is a higher education researcher with more than thirty years of experience leading and contributing to institutional research at UMass Amherst. Liz manages two companion offices that support data-informed decision making throughout the university: Assessment, Survey, and Effectiveness Research (ASER; previously OAPA) and University Analytics and Institutional Research (UAIR).

Provost's Office Staff

Jo Allen-Oleet

Chief of Staff

Jo Allen-Oleet is the Chief of Staff.

Nikia Burdick

Communications & Events Manager for Equity and Inclusion

Nikia Burdick is the Communication and Events Manager for Equity and Inclusion in the Office of the Provost. She oversees the communication needs and event management for the Faculty Diversity team, as well as provides calendar support for Senior Vice Provost Wilmore Webley. Nikia collaborates with leadership and faculty across the UMass campus to promote community building and foster an inclusive approach to faculty development, advancement, recruitment, and retention.

Stephanie Nichols

Executive Assistant

Stephanie is an Executive Assistant in the Provost's Office. She supports multiple members of the Provost's leadership team with calendar management, travel coordination, project execution and most importantly, lunch for working meetings. Prior to UMass, she worked in public education as the Administrative Assistant to a principal for 5 years.

Academic Affairs Administration & Finance

Deborah Gould

Vice Provost for Administration and Finance

Deborah Gould is Vice Provost for Administration & Finance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is a financial professional with nearly 30 years of experience in university administration. Gould earned an M.B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley, and holds a B.A. degree in economics from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. In her years at the university, Gould’s responsibilities have ranged from budgetary oversight and administration to financial and cost analysis to implementation and support of administrative applications. In her current position, Gould has led efforts to ensure a strong financial position in Academic Affairs through efficient allocation and stewardship of resources, creation of alternative revenue streams, and strategic growth.

Jennifer Donelson

HRBP II

Jennifer Donelson serves as the HRBP II for the Provost Office.

Susana Gualberto

Administrative & Accounting Coordinator

Sue is the Administrative & Accounting Coordinator for AAA&F. She provides a range of operational support services for the Provost's Office and Academic Affairs administrative units, including purchasing, expense reports, and graduate student payments.

Donna Rae Kenneally

Lead HR Business Partner

Donna Rae Kenneally serves as the Lead HRBP for the Provost Office.

Katy Maher

Assistant Provost for Financial Planning and Operations

Katy Maher is the Assistant Provost for Financial Planning and Operations

Sarina Poy

Finance Manager

Sarina Poy supports the Provost’s Office as the Finance Manager.

Mindy Rivera

HR Specialist

Mindy Rivera supports the Provost’s Office as the Human Resources Specialist. She serves as an advisor and consultant on staff-related human resources management, personnel policies, and procedures for Academic Affairs.

Amy Stout

Associate Provost for Financial Planning & Operations

Amy Stout has made her career at UMass Amherst over the past 30+ years, working in areas across campus from the Controller’s Office and areas throughout Academic Affairs. Currently serving as Senior Assistant Provost for Administration Finance, Stout is a voice and advocate for staff, a mentor, and a champion for continued growth and professional development for staff at all levels

Academic HR

Dennis Armistead

Assistant Provost & Senior Director of Academic Labor Relations

Dennis serves as lead representative for labor and employment matters involving graduate and post-doctoral employees and for negotiating and administering the MSP-MTA/NEA, GEO-UAW and PRO-UAW collective bargaining agreements.

Michael Eagen

Vice Provost for Academic Human Resources

Michael Eagen is Vice Provost for Academic Human Resources. Michael leads the Academic HR team and provides strategic leadership and direction for all academic HR and labor relations matters on behalf of the Chancellor and Provost. Prior to joining UMASS, Michael served as the Director of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations for the University of Connecticut Department of Human Resources. He also had a joint appointment as labor counsel in UConn’s Office of the General Counsel. Eagen received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Connecticut and his J.D., Cum Laude, from Western New England University School of Law.

Kristen Gibbons

Communication, Events, and Labor Relations Coordinator

Kristen first began her career while earning her undergraduate degree at UMass-Amherst in 2001 working for the ARPE unit at the UMass Donahue Institute. Her role included oversight of large-scale data collection for research and evaluation projects focused on education initiatives, public policy, public health and government programs. She left for a short time before returning to UMass in 2023. Kristen’s current role now resides in Academic Human Resources within the Office of the Provost. She serves as a labor relations coordinator providing administrative and logistical support to the administrative bargaining teams for MSP, GEO and PRO. She also disseminates communications for her team by sending out focused communications to the on-campus community to announce news related to bargaining, or to share dates and deadlines for academic personnel actions. Kristen provides calendar support for both Michael Eagen and Jocelyn Tedisky in the Academic Human Resources office.

Jessica Sadowski

Director of Academic Human Resources

A UMass Amherst alumnus earning her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Jessica began working at the university in 2007 within the former College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. She remained with the newly formed College of Natural Sciences for ten years holding various roles in Human Resources before transitioning to the Office of the Provost in August 2017. Jessica collaborates with senior leadership and college personnel to guide academic HR activities, ensuring compliance with university policies and union agreements. Her responsibilities include advising on faculty personnel actions, overseeing academic personnel tracking and reporting, handling MSP faculty benefits, and addressing complex academic employee issues in coordination with HR partners.

Jocelyn Tedisky

Assistant Provost & Senior Director of Academic Human Resources

Jocelyn Tedisky is the Assistant Provost and Senior Director of Academic Human Resources at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She works closely with senior leadership, deans, directors, and department chairs on all aspects of academic workforce personnel administration. Jocelyn provides strategic leadership on HR matters, oversees tenure-track faculty hiring, personnel actions, and system improvements, and ensures compliance with policies and union contracts. She leads the development of academic personnel policies, training, and resources, while managing and enhancing workflow systems and databases.
Jocelyn holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business (Finance) from the University of Connecticut. She is also certified in Contract Administration from Cornell University’s Industrial and Labor Relations School and a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

Faculty Development and Faculty Diversity

Angela de Oliveira

Associate Provost for Faculty Development

Dr. Angela C.M. de Oliveira provides vision and leadership for the Office of Faculty Development, focusing especially on leadership development, mentoring, mid-career, awards and recognition, as well as community, inclusion, and wellness programs to support healthy, equitable, thriving faculty and departments.

Wilmore Webley

Senior Vice Provost for Equity & Inclusion

Dr. Webley is a Professor of Microbiology and Senior Vice Provost of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Webley was born in Dry Hill District, Bellas Gate P.O, St. Catherine, Jamaica and was the first in his family to attend high school (Old Harbour Hight School) and college. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology at Northern Caribbean University. Webley then earned the M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with expertise in Immunology, Infectious Disease, Host-pathogen interactions, and a concentration in vaccine development.

Dr. Webley is a Fulbright Scholar, a recipient of the Manning Prize for Excellence in Teaching, and the Distinguished Teaching Award in recognition for outstanding teaching accomplishments

Fine Arts Center

Jamilla Deria

Director of Fine Arts Center

Jamilla Deria is a US based arts administrator committed to connecting innovative artists with adventurous audiences. Currently, the Director of The Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Ms. Deria is focused on supporting the development of new work and partnering with world-class artists to inspire creative practice and arts-based research that explore the intersection of the arts, teaching and wellbeing. Prior to serving in her current capacity, Ms. Deria enjoyed a successful career at the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. bringing arts and civic experiences to American audiences including premiering and producing the Women of the World festival (WOW) in partnership with London’s Southbank Centre. In previous roles, she worked with some of the country's most renowned performing arts centers including: The Apollo Theater, Radio City Music Hall, and The Beacon Theater.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Scott Davidson

Associate Provost for Interdisciplinary Programs

Scott Davidson serves as Associate Provost for Interdisciplinary Programs. He brings many years of higher education leadership experience to this role. Prior to UMass Amherst, he served as the Director of Multidisciplinary Programs and a Professor of Philosophy at West Virginia University.

Dr. Davidson believes that the UWW Interdisciplinary Studies degree is uniquely valuable in promoting student autonomy and relevance in higher education. It allows students the flexibility to choose the degree path that aligns with their personal interests and goals. Through the liberatory power of higher education, graduates of UWW-IS are equipped with the knowledge, experiences, and skills that prepare them for success in their chosen career.

In addition to his administrative role, Dr. Davidson serves as a professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at UMass Amherst. He has taught twenty different courses covering a broad range of topics, including courses in literature, ethics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of law. He unifies these courses around the ultimate question of how to live “the good life, with and for others, within just institutions.”

An active scholar, he has numerous publications including seven edited books (most recently a three-volume study of Paul Ricoeur's philosophy of the will) and eight books translated from French to English. His new book is titled Pathos and Praxis: An Integrated Phenomenology of Life through Michel Henry and Paul Ricoeur (Indiana University Press: 2025).

Educational Background
B.A., Philosophy and Modern Languages, Kansas State University
M.A., Philosophy, Duquesne University
Ph.D., Philosophy, Duquesne University

Student Success and Career Development

Carolyn Bassett

Associate Provost for Student Success 

Carolyn Bassett is the Associate Provost for Student Success at UMass Amherst. She has led the central Undergraduate Student Success unit since 2018 creating a range of campus-wide infrastructures, programs, and collaborations designed to increase student persistence and thriving and build a more equitable student experience.

Cheryl Brooks

Associate Provost for Career and Professional Development

Dr. Cheryl Brooks is Associate Provost for Career and Professional Development. In this role, she oversees the strategic direction for Career Services campus-wide and leads a team of career professionals who provide self-assessments, skills training, and employer recruitment opportunities to UMass students. With two decades of experience in student professional development, corporate engagement, teaching, and program evaluation, she brings a holistic, student-first approach to career development. Cheryl is passionate about bridging academic theory with hands-on experiences such a internships, projects, and civic engagement, and helping students build professional connections with alumni and employers. Brooks earned a Ph.D. in education policy, research and administration from UMass Amherst and a M.S. in interdisciplinary studies/environmental science and B.A. in chemistry from the University of North Texas.

Teaching and Learning & Instructional Design and Technology

Brian Baldi

Acting Director for the Center for Teaching and Learning

Brian Baldi serves as the Acting Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. Brian leads the Lilly Fellowship for Teaching Excellence, conducts midterm assessments and teaching consultations, co-founded the Contemplative Pedagogy Working Group, and co-facilitates workshops on topics such as: assignment design, getting students to engage with course readings, wellbeing for teachers, addressing student evaluations, course design, and more.