Cheryl R. Richardson, Ph.D., has been named the inaugural vice president for faculty affairs at Adler University. The new role will be dedicated to supporting the development and training of faculty across the University’s Chicago, Vancouver, and online campuses.

Dr. Richardson, who currently serves as director of inclusive teaching and faculty development, will begin her new appointment on Sept. 1.

“Faculty members constitute the heart of this University,” Dr. Richardson said. “Students come to learn from them about specific professional practices as well as how to address the world’s injustices and inequities as a practitioner. We depend on faculty abilities to facilitate student learning and generate new knowledge.”

Reporting directly to the vice president of Academic Affairs, Dr. Richardson will enhance the growth of University educators and oversee various aspects crucial to faculty development and support. This includes developing and implementing policies and procedures, organizing training and orientation programs, nurturing leadership capabilities, providing support during tenure and promotion reviews, managing funding for professional growth and research endeavors, and handling recognition and awards.

She will serve as the connection between the faculty and the administration, meet regularly with university-wide faculty governance bodies, and assure seamless communication among faculty governance bodies, administration, and students, via the Academic Affairs Newsletter and Inside Adler.

“Dr. Richardson has been a trusted member of Adler University since 2021, providing strategic insight and direction related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as faculty development,” said Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, Ph.D., vice president of Academic Affairs. “Her appointment signifies the University’s renewed investment in its faculty.”

An educational developer for over 20 years, Dr. Richardson has worked to enhance the knowledge, skills, and satisfaction of faculty to promote equitable and inclusive learning environments for students. Prior to joining Adler University, Dr. Richardson served as a faculty developer at the University of Chicago, University of Delaware, Georgetown University, and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

She has taught graduate, undergraduate, and high school students, administered an academic program at Stanford University, and as a consultant, developed curriculum to prevent domestic violence, racism, and other forms of oppression. She has also served on boards of directors of the Professional and Organizational Development Network, international schools, and nonprofit organizations. Dr. Richardson earned a Ph.D. in Education at Stanford University in 2001.

When it comes to the challenges facing Adler University’s faculty today, Dr. Richardson says she recognizes that they are not universal.

“We have a new tenure process and shared governance model, and I am very excited to support the evolution of each of these initiatives with policy and process development and shared decision-making,” she said.

“I am thrilled to support faculty success with professional development that focuses on growth in faculty careers and responsiveness to student learning,” Dr. Richardson added. “This new role gives me access to different levers — and different combinations — to enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of faculty to improve their performance and satisfaction in teaching, service, and scholarship. I plan to utilize policies, people, resource development, awards, and connection to support and make sure our faculty flourish.”