SHU Appoints Asst Provost for Teaching & Learning

FAIRFIELD, Conn.— - Steven Michels has taken on the newly created role of assistant provost for teaching and learning at Sacred Heart University.

In his new position, Michels will support the provost in all existing operations and new initiatives related to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning at SHU. Michels also will continue to serve as the University’s accreditation liaison officer, schedule and coordinate all regular academic program reviews and work with the Office of Institutional Data to support related data collection, dissemination and use. He will aid in faculty development and identify areas of improvement for assessment data, course evaluation and surveys. In addition, he will work with the Office of Digital Learning on classroom adoption of education technologies, especially in online and blended courses.

“The University has always been known for its excellent teachers, and I’m excited at the opportunity to work with the faculty on ways we can be more effective instructors,” Michels said.

Michels other responsibilities will extend to undergraduate research, assisting departments and programs in establishing best practices. He will chair the Committee for Undergraduate Research, which organizes SHU’s annual Academic Festival and publishes the Sacred Heart University Scholar, a new journal of undergraduate research. “Our students have been doing amazing research, and this will bring it to a greater audience,” Michels said. 

Before assuming his new role, Michels was director of university assessment and worked with all SHU’s colleges and programs on improving and streamlining their use of evidence. Michels’ previous roles at SHU include associate professor of political science and director of the Thomas More Honors Program. He served on several core curriculum implementation committees and attended conferences on teaching and assessment. In 2013, he won SHU awards for teaching and scholarship.

“We have watched Steven evolve at SHU and we are pleased to welcome him into this new role, where he will continue to use his skills and knowledge to enhance teaching and learning at SHU,” said Rupendra Paliwal, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Michels previously taught at Southern Connecticut State University, Loyola University Chicago and Concordia University. He holds three degrees in political science: a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, a master’s degree from University of Georgia and a doctorate from Loyola.