New Chief Academic Technology Officer and Executive Director of Research, Teaching, and Learning Dr. Shawna Dark

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Shawna Dark as Chief Academic Technology Officer and Executive Director for Research, Teaching and Learning (RTL). Dr. Dark was selected after a national search and will join us on September 16, 2019.

Shawna fills this important position that brings together support for research and teaching and provides technology and pedagogy support for the campus. The following groups are part of the RTL portfolio: the Academic Innovation Studio (AIS), the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Digital Learning Services, Education Technology Services, KALX radio station, Research IT, and RTL Projects Development & Operations. This position was previously filled by Jenn Stringer, who agreed to take on the role of Deputy Chief Information Officer earlier this year. The position will report to Jenn and Cathy Koshland, Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education

Shawna holds a Ph.D. in Geography from UCLA, with expertise in environmental science, geospatial technology, and spatial statistics. For the past 15 years, she has created innovative technical programs in response to the changing demands of higher education. In addition to serving as the Chair of the Geography Department at California State University, Northridge, Shawna successfully created and managed the Center for Geospatial Science and Technology, where she developed and implemented technical solutions for small businesses, campus, and statewide programs. She has published her work on spatial analytics, biogeography, and geospatial technology, as well as received over $3 million of funding in support of her work in these areas. 

In her role as Associate Vice President for Academic Technology at CSU Long Beach, Shawna provided strategic oversight of online education, instructional technology, innovation, classroom technology, desktop support, and other faculty/student focused technical support programs. She has also managed technical staff in application development, web development, library systems support, and system administration. She has a successful track record of collaboration with the Division of Information Technology, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs, receiving several awards for her work supporting student success. Shawna takes pride in supporting inclusive excellence and views her mission to support access to higher education, student success, and faculty research.

We would like to thank the search committee as well as all the other staff and faculty who participated in the selection process. 

Please join us in welcoming Shawna to Berkeley!

Best,

Cathy Koshland, Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Education

Larry Conrad, Associate Vice Chancellor for IT & Chief Information Officer 

Jenn Stringer, Deputy Chief Information Officer & Assistant Vice Chancellor for IT