The new year will bring a new combined position in Texas Woman’s University administration.

Effective Jan. 1, 2021, the Graduate School and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) both will report to the new combined position of vice provost for research and innovation and dean of the graduate school. Holly Hansen-Thomas, who has served as vice provost of OSRP since May, will assume this role and lead the effort to create expanded research opportunities and robust graduate programs. Hansen-Thomas served as interim dean of the graduate school in 2016-2017.

In making the announcement, Provost Carolyn Kapinus said, “This combined position will capitalize on the natural synergy between research and graduate education.”

Claire Sahlin, who has served as interim dean of the graduate school since May 2019, will return to her previous position as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Claire Sahlin