WHEREAS, Vice Provost Ken O’Donnell will conclude his service at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) at the end of April 2025 (Spring 2025) to assume the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at another southern California university; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure at CSUDH, Ken O’Donnell has provided exemplary leadership in managing academic programs for a highly diverse campus community composed primarily of first-generation college students from historically underserved populations; and
WHEREAS, as Vice Provost, he has worked closely with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs to lead the university’s efforts in academic program quality, strategic resource allocation, faculty affairs and development, student success and engagement, and academic innovation; and
WHEREAS, Ken O’Donnell has been a tireless advocate for shared governance and a strong ally for faculty needs and concerns, embodying a collaborative spirit that strengthened the academic community at CSUDH; and
WHEREAS, Vice Provost O’Donnell enthusiastically displayed Toro pride through participation in door decorating contests and other spirited campus events, and further enriched campus life by introducing pickleball as a new and popular recreational activity; and
WHEREAS, CSU Dominguez Hills is nationally recognized for its commitment to inclusive excellence, ranking first in California for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to African-American students and distinguished by its strong academic programs in health, education, business, the arts, humanities, and sciences; and
WHEREAS, Vice Provost O’Donnell has championed High-Impact Educational Practices, advancing initiatives to improve educational effectiveness, promote equity, and enhance student engagement, helping to establish CSUDH as a national model for student success; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Academic Senate of California State University, Dominguez Hills commends and expresses its deepest gratitude to Vice Provost Ken O’Donnell for his outstanding service and leadership at CSUDH and for his unwavering commitment to student success, inclusive excellence, shared governance, and innovation in higher education, which have greatly benefited the university’s students, faculty, and staff; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Academic Senate thanks Ken O’Donnell for his service as Vice Provost, and extends its warmest wishes for his continued success in his future endeavors.
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