By Pierce Doyle
Nov. 28, 2020
Edgewood has selected Dr. Angela Salas as its next Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).
The eleven-member VPAA search committee selected Dr. Salas from a pool of over 60 applicants.
“She brings to Edgewood College extensive and substantive experience as a faculty member and administrator and received overwhelming support from the Edgewood College community following her interviews,” said President Andrew Manion.
Salas was a first-generation college student who earned her Master of Arts in English from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and her Ph.D. in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Before joining the Eagle community, Salas served as the Provost and VPAA at Framingham State University in Massachusetts. Salas has also served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Indiana University Southeast, where she was a former professor and Director of the Honors Programs at the university.
“To say that I am honored and excited to join everyone is an understatement. I look forward to collaborating with the committed and dedicated staff and faculty, as well as the talented and ambitious students at Edgewood College,” said Salas.
Salas stated that the mission and Dominican values of Edgewood College are what first drew her to apply for the VPAA position.
“Because these values are congruent with my own, and with my beliefs about the purpose and necessity of higher education, I discerned that it would be an honor to become a part of the College, should the community decide that my skills, values, and experience would be of use to it. It was after this discernment that I applied for the role.”
As VPAA, Salas will bear leadership and oversight of administrative matters with Academic Affairs. However, Salas mentioned that she would be equally responsible for promoting and championing the institution’s academic and ethical mission and vision.
Salas foresees the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to present challenges to the students and faculty of Edgewood College, yet remains optimistic for a successful Spring Semester across the Eagle community.
“The pandemic complicates everything, including higher education,” said Salas. “Because Edgewood College is so distinctively its own ecosystem, my understanding of its joys and challenges will necessarily develop over time. Thus, I am deeply appreciative of the efforts of Dr. Noreuil, the interim VPAA and a highly esteemed member of the Edgewood College family, to help me to acclimate to the College and the role.”
Salas expressed eagerness to learn from Interim VPAA Dr. Margaret Noreuil, who has worked for the university for 28 years. Dr. Noreuil played a vital role in restructuring the academic experience for students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Her graciousness will accelerate my Edgewood College literacy in ways that are immeasurable. Words are not adequate to express my appreciation,” said Salas.
Manion also shared extreme gratitude for Dr. Noreuil’s tenure as Interim VPAA during a uniquely trying time for students and staff.
“I also want to give a special thanks to Dr. Margaret Noreuil for her excellent work as Interim VPAA during an extraordinary year. Her steady leadership of the academic area has been invaluable as we have navigated a presidential transition, a pandemic, and challenging personnel and financial challenges,” said Manion.
Dr. Noreuil will step down from her position as Interim VPAA and transition back to her role as Dean of the school.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming Dr. Salas to campus when she starts in January and I hope she enjoys being a member of the Edgewood College community too,” said Dr. Noreuil.
Salas will begin her term as VPAA on Jan. 11, 2021.
Post your comments