FSU Moves Forward with Administration Reorganization as Part of Budget Plan

Feb 21, 2025 9:00 AM

Frostburg State University continues to reorganize its administrative structure with the completion of a division realignment as part of the Educational Market Alignment Plan (EMAP) to resolve the University’s long-term budget deficit.

The Division of Regional Development and Engagement has merged with the Division of University Advancement to create the Division of Advancement and Regional Engagement, or DARE, and the Division of Academic Affairs has merged with the Division of Student Affairs to become the Division of Student Success. These mergers have resulted in the elimination of two vice president positions and a projected savings of more than $600,000 in FY26 and beyond.

According to Mr. John Short, the vice president of the newly formed DARE, “The number one priority for this newly merged division is to develop a consolidated vision, mission and strategic plan that outlines specific and defined priorities and goals. At the same time, we will look to see what synergies and efficiencies exist between the various units within the new partnership to enhance and enrich our respective initiatives and programs of work.” Short continued, “Both divisions have been extremely successful over the past several years, and our hope is to become even more successful as a merged division.”

Dr. Larry Weill, interim Provost and vice president of the newly created Student Success division, echoed these sentiments. “I am very pleased to announce the Division of Student Success at FSU. Academic Affairs and Student Affairs have a long history of outstanding collaboration, and this aligning of the divisions will only enhance that. While most people in offices will see only slight changes, if any, other departments and subcabinet members are working diligently to enhance the great work we already do. This is an exciting time to be a Bobcat.”

In addition, while continuing to report directly to the President, FSU’s Department of Athletics will function as a standalone unit in this new structure.

FSU also plans to reorganize deans’ offices across all three colleges, as another component of the EMAP, to allow for a more comprehensive representation of disciplines and a reduction in the number of department chairs and coordinators to reduce administrative costs and the duplication of services.