University of Utah Provost Mitzi M. Montoya announced that Martell Teasley has been named associate provost for strategic academic initiatives. Teasley, who served as dean of the College of Social Work from 2017-2022 and interim senior vice president for academic affairs from 2022-2023, will begin his position Jan. 1, 2024.

As associate provost, Teasley will provide leadership and support across the U to explore innovative ways to better align academic units in the promotion and advancement of academic excellence. He will play an essential role in organizing voices across the campus community in examining the future of the university in order to promote continued academic program development, efficiency and excellence. In addition to his new role, he will also be developing and launching the new Institute on Race, Policy Studies and Health Equity to be housed in the College of Social Work.

“As we look at the trajectory of the U toward becoming a top 10 public institution, we recognize our greatest potential for growth will come from our academic units functioning in harmony toward our common goal,” Montoya said. “Dr. Teasley’s considerable experience and expertise in leadership, communication and collaboration positions him to be particularly impactful on our campus. I look forward to all that we can accomplish together.”

Teasley previously served as associate provost and special assistant to the senior vice president for academic affairs in 2021 before his appointment as interim provost in 2022. As dean of the College of Social Work, Teasley implemented steps to improve the quality and rigor of the social work curriculum, advance research output, and recruit and retain more diverse faculty and students to increase service to the local community. As interim provost, he helped advance student success and completion initiatives, led the creation of new and innovative degrees and certificates, and managed the successful renewal of the university’s seven-year accreditation. He served two terms as president of the National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work and co-leads the Grand Challenge to Eliminate Racism.

“It is an exciting time at the U as many cutting-edge innovations and milestones are happening,” Teasley said. “As we move forward in alignment, our progress and potential become unlimited.”