University Relations

UCCS selects first provost from within ranks

Margaret “Peg” Bacon, the interim provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at UCCS, will have the interim removed from her title effective July 1, Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak announced April 16.

Since July 2007, Bacon, a 30-year member of the UCCS faculty, has served in an interim capacity while a national search was conducted. Previously, she served as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs. The position was elevated as part of an administrative reorganization at the university.

“I am honored that Dr. Bacon has agreed to serve as provost and to continue the momentum she has established at the university during a distinguished career,” Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak said.

Bacon will be the first provost at UCCS. In this position, she will direct the activities of the universities six colleges and further integrate the university’s Student Success Division with academic affairs. The position replaces a vice chancellor for academic affairs position previously held by Rogers Redding.

“I am very excited about leading UCCS forward in its academic ambitions,” Bacon said. “We have talented faculty, excellent programs, cutting edge research, and motivated students -- all the ingredients we need for success.”

Following more than eight years as a teacher in elementary and secondary schools in Michigan and as a reading specialist and researcher in Massachusetts, Bacon joined the UCCS faculty in 1978 as an assistant professor in the College of Education. She later directed the teacher education program, served as dean of the college, and was chair of the Teaching, Special Education and Curriculum Department which became the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She was promoted to associate professor in 1987 and professor in 2001.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, East Lansing, and master’s and doctoral degrees in education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is a graduate of the Harvard Management Development Institute and the Center for Creative Leadership Community Development Program.

She is a past winner of the Chancellor’s Award, given in recognition of outstanding service, and is a previous nominee for Teacher of the Year honors. She is a member of several professional education organizations and is widely published in books and academic journals on subjects that include reading education, teacher licensing, and teacher education reform. Bacon has been involved in community service in local public schools, as a board member of such community organizations as the Urban League, Citizens Project, and the Coalition for Adult Literacy.

Bacon was one of three finalists selected for on-campus interviews. The search committee was co-chaired by Tom Christensen, dean, Letters, Arts and Sciences and Leslie Manning, dean emeritus, Kraemer Family Library. The search committee unanimously recommended Bacon for the position to Chancellor Shockley-Zalabak.