The following is the text of an email sent on May 16, 2023.
Dear SPH-B Faculty, Staff, and Postdoctoral Fellows:
We are pleased to share that Dr. Michael Willett has been appointed Executive Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Enrollment. An exceptional teacher, researcher, and leader with a knack for collaboration at every level, Dr. Willett has served SPH-B for decades with unfailing integrity including serving as the interim Executive Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Enrollment. In his role, he will continue to build on his superb efforts to:
• Promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and experiences
• Empower purpose-driven faculty/teachers in pursuit of student success
• Bolster contributions to the school's legacy of health through education science
• Advance research, education, service, and engagement initiatives to promote scholarly excellence
“I appreciate every opportunity we get in life," says Dr. Willett. "I am very humbled by and grateful for this appointment. I am very fortunate, as I know what I truly value—I value Indiana University, I value our incredible students, and I value the privilege of working with so many wonderful people."
Dr. Willett's contributions over his formidable SPH-B career include 20+ years as the Kinesiology Department's Chair for Budget and Planning. In addition to receiving more than $25 million in grant funding during his time with the school, he has also hosted international visiting scholars to collaborate on topics such as health promotion and equality in sports opportunity.
Caring, enthusiasm, experience, perspicacity, and savvy: A tough combination to beat, and Professor Michael (Mike) Willett has it all. His caring for our students and his colleagues, his extraordinary experience and depth of savvy about financial management around enrollment and tuition, and his commitment to educational opportunities that fascinate students all speak to the fact that he is the right person for this job. We are delighted that he has accepted our offer to continue to help the school in ever-growing ways.
"I love the quote by Charles M. Schulz," Dr. Willett adds. "'In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with.’ Let our journeys begin!"
Sincerely,
David B. Allison, Ph.D.
Dean, Distinguished Professor, Provost Professor
Hsien-Chang Lin, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Dean for Faculty Recruitment