Webster University Names Julie Weissman Director, Office of Institutional Effectiveness

ST. LOUIS, June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Julie Weissman has been named Director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at Webster University. In this position, Dr. Weissman will be responsible for reorganizing Webster's institutional research and assessment functions to increase the University's capacity to use data for decision-making. Dr. Weissman will report to newly named Provost and Senior Vice President Dr. Julian Schuster.

"Julie Weissman is a strong proponent of the power of collaboration and use of evidence to improve educational opportunities and experiences for students," said Webster University President Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble. "She excels at integrating the processes of strategic planning, program review, faculty-driven student outcomes assessment, and institutional research within and across levels of the institution to enhance institutional effectiveness."

During her 35-year career, Dr. Weissman has designed and implemented strategic planning, institutional research, and evaluation and assessment processes at three types of institutions: a community college, a private research university and a public undergraduate university.

From 2005 to 2009, Dr. Weissman served as Associate Provost at Saint Louis University, with responsibilities for student learning outcomes assessment, institutional and program evaluation, institutional research, strategic planning and accreditation. She currently serves as Executive Director of Institutional Assessment at Harris-Stowe State University. Weissman also has served as Assistant Director for Institutional Change at The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and as Director, Institutional Research and Planning, at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Ill.

"Julie Weissman is a great addition to Webster," said Search Committee member Dr. Bruce Umbaugh, Professor and Interim Chair of Philosophy. "She brings tremendous experience with her, including academic assessment, institutional research and accreditation. We'll benefit mightily from her skills and knowledge. She also has a winning attitude – people will like working with her."

Dr. Weissman is the author of numerous articles on institutional effectiveness and is a frequent presenter on such topics as institutional research and effectiveness, student learning outcomes and assessment issues at professional conferences. Since 2001, Dr. Weissman has served as a Peer Reviewer for The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education. The University's Study Abroad programs rank in the top 2 percent of the more than 1,400 colleges and universities surveyed in the "America's Best Colleges" 2010 edition of U.S. News & World Report. Webster is one of just 34 U.S. institutions to share this distinction, which recognizes study abroad programs that involve substantial academic work for credit and considerable interaction with the local culture. The University's international presence now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

SOURCE Webster University