AUSTIN — On Monday, July 30, Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, President and CEO, announced two promotions at Huston-Tillotson University.  In the Office of the President, Mr. Wayne Knox, Chief of Staff and Clerk of the Board, received a promotion to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  In Academic Affairs, Dr. Beverly Downing, Interim Director of Sponsored Programs, Title III, and Institutional Planning, Research, and Assessment, received a promotion to Associate Provost.  Knox and Downing’s new roles are effective August 1.

Mr. Knox joined Huston-Tillotson University in October 2015 as Chief of Staff and Clerk of the Board.  Prior to coming to HT, he served in executive management positions at the University of Chicago, City Colleges of Chicago District Office, and Central State University.

“Under his leadership at Huston-Tillotson, there have been continuous improvements to processes across an array of functional areas,” said Dr. Burnette.  “He has established strong teams, consistently delivering end-to-end enrollment services resulting in an overall enrichment of the student experience.”

In his new role, Mr. Knox will be charged with being laser-focused on identifying and executing student-centered strategies to drive enhancements to operations and increased efficiencies for his areas of responsibility – Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Information Technology, Intercollegiate Athletics, Campus Safety, and Food Services – with an enterprise-wide impact.

Mr. Knox will continue to serve as the primary point of contact for the affairs of Huston-Tillotson University’s Board of Trustees and all supporting committees.

Dr. Downing came to Huston-Tillotson University with several years of senior administrative leadership experience.  Her extensive background in accreditation and grant writing made her a timely and excellent fit in January 2017 as the Interim Director of Sponsored Programs and Title III and the Director of Institutional Planning, Research and Assessment.

“Dr. Downing has raised University revenues through grants, matching funds, and other alternative funding sources,” Dr. Burnette said.

As Associate Provost, Dr. Downing will provide guidance and direction in strategic planning for the academic unit, faculty performance evaluations, academic program reviews and other assessments of the University.  Dr. Downing will also serve as our SACSCOC liaison, manage sponsored programs and academic support areas, and supervise the building of strong faculty development programs.

This post originally appeared on HTU.edu