Farewell to Mary Oling-Sisay

June 14, 2021

Dear Colleagues,

Dr. Mary Oling-Sisay, Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies will be leaving Humboldt State University to accept the position of Vice Provost at CSU- San Marcos. Dr. Oling-Sisay has contributed to a number of successes at HSU over the past two years including maintaining strong instructional continuity through a pandemic. She has taken the university to new heights by a successful special accreditation visit by our regional accreditor the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and leading large-scale general education and academic assessment reform.

Dr. Oling-Sisay’s positive impact on HSU will remain with our institution for many years to come. Her commitment to strengthening our curriculum, improving assessment, and supporting our diverse student populations will have lasting impact. During her time, she has provided leadership for several program updates and an approval by WSCUC of our B.S. in Nursing. As a vital member of the provost’s leadership team, Mary has been a valued adviser and trusted colleague to me and I know she has been for many others around campus. I have come to appreciate her thoughtfulness in contemplating university opportunities and challenges.

I want to thank Mary for all that she has contributed to the enhancement of various aspects of HSU in such a short amount of time.

Mary’s statement to me as she informed me of her decision was: ”I’ve enjoyed every bit of what we have accomplished together at HSU during my time. I appreciate everyone that I engaged with in the process. HSU is a great institution that is going places.”

Dr. Oling-Sisay’s last day will be on July 31, 2021. Please join me in wishing Mary well. Information on filling the forthcoming vacancy for the Vice Provost position will be provided at a later date.

Jenn Capps, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

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