Cook, Spencer named associate provosts

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs has named Constance Ewing Cook and Theodore Spencer as associate vice provosts. Cook's appointment begins July 1, and Spencer's was effective April 1.

Cook (Photo by Lin Jones, U-M Photo Services)

Cook has served as director of the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) since 1992. The CRLT serves faculty and graduate instructors in all 19 schools and colleges by supporting the improvement of teaching through a number of programs.

"Connie Cook has done a tremendous job expanding CRLT programs and increasing their visibility on campus," says Lester Monts, senior vice provost for Academic Affairs. "Under her leadership, CRLT has assisted many faculty and graduate students with the resources and tools they need to enhance the educational experience for U-M students."

CRLT programs include faculty and graduate student instructor development, evaluation and assessment services, instructional technology assistance, research and dissemination of resources on learning and teaching, and staff development and collaboration.

Prior to coming to U-M, Cook, who also is an associate professor of education, taught political science at Albion College and chaired the institution's Political Science Department. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College, a master's from Pennsylvania State University and a doctorate from Boston College, all in political science.

Cook's research expertise is in American political interest groups. She is the author of several journal articles and conference papers on educational innovation, and has written two books, "Lobbying for Higher Education: How Colleges and Universities Influence Federal Policy," and "Nuclear Power and Legal Advocacy: The Environmentalists and the Courts."

Her appointment was approved June 16 by the Board of Regents.

Spencer's promotion to associate vice provost and executive director of undergraduate admissions was approved by the board in April. In his new role, he will have increased responsibility for enrollment management, policy and implementation.

In recommending the appointment, Monts praised Spencer's leadership during the admissions lawsuits.

Spencer (Photo by Lin Jones, U-M Photo Services)

"Ted has proven to be a valuable member of the University of Michigan family, and he has made outstanding contributions to the University's standard of excellence through his direction of undergraduate admissions," Monts says. "His efforts to maintain an academically excellent and diverse student body, particularly during the admissions lawsuits and in the aftermath as the University adapted its processes to be consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions, have been notable."

Spencer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Tennessee State University and a Master of Arts from Pepperdine University. After serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, he became associate director of admissions for the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He came to the University as associate director of undergraduate admissions in 1989, served as interim director in 1992-93 and became director in 1993. His title was changed to executive director in 2005.

Spencer is a national leader in the area of admissions, serving as a trustee of the College Board, and as a member of the Guidance and Admissions Assembly Council and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation /PSAT subcommittee. He also is a member of the ACT Executive Council, Midwest Region, and is a legislative representative and executive committee member of the Michigan Association of College Admissions Counselors. He has served as a reader for the Presidential Scholarships for 12 years and as a faculty member of the Harvard Summer Institute for 10 years.