Wichita State University President John Bardo has announced a series of changes in the university's administrative structure to better serve students and improve communication.

"For the past two years I have been listening to faculty, staff and students regarding their experiences in the university," Bardo said, "and I have been observing where and how we could more effectively achieve the goals that are set forth in the Kansas Board of Regents' strategic plan and the university's strategic plan.

"After this extended period of review and thought, I have reached the conclusion that university operations could be greatly improved if there were realignment and refocusing of efforts in several areas."

Bardo said many of the changes involve realigning responsibilities to create a unified package of services from the time a student first considers attending Wichita State on to graduation and the launch of his or her career. Bardo said none of the personnel changes involve a reduction in positions.

These changes will take effect in coming weeks:

• Tony Vizzini is being promoted to provost and senior vice president, with responsibilities for student life, recruiting, admissions, financial aid and career services added to his existing responsibilities for teaching, faculty hiring and promotion and all other academic activities.
• Wade Robinson, vice president for Campus Life and University Relations, is taking a new position, vice president for Student Engagement, to increase the quality of the student experience, enhance out-of-classroom learning and increase student retention.
• Gina Crabtree, who has been registrar, will become registrar and director of Enrollment Services. She will add responsibility for admissions and financial aid to improve recruitment and the registration processes.
• Connie Dietz will become the executive director of career development, bringing together the university departments that help students and alumni connect with employers. Dietz is cureently director of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning.

Robinson, Crabtree, Dietz and their staffs will all be part of the new provost and senior vice president's office.

• Lou Heldman is taking a new position, vice president of Strategic Communications, responsible for university communications and marketing. He'll serve on the president's executive team. He has led the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Elliott School of Communication.