Karen Sibley, currently dean of the School of Professional Studies at Brown University, has been named vice president for strategic initiatives. She will continue her duties as dean, reporting to the provost, and will lead University efforts to create innovative educational opportunities for learners of all ages.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Karen Sibley, dean of the School of Professional Studies at Brown University, will take on additional responsibilities as vice president for strategic initiatives, reporting to Provost Vicki Colvin. She assumed her new responsibilities on April 1, 2015.

As dean of the School of Professional Studies, Sibley has led the University’s efforts to deliver academic programs to new groups of learners, especially mid-career professionals. As vice president, Sibley’s activities will include new outreach to K-12 and college-bound high school students, support for the Brown faculty’s efforts in digital education, and development of innovative master’s education programs geared toward Brown alumni. She will continue her duties as dean.

Sibley earned a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania. The subject of her dissertation, The Impact of Information Technology on Pedagogy in Higher Education, remains among her strong professional interests. During her time at Brown, she has served as dean of summer and continuing studies and as executive associate dean of the College for curricular outreach.

“We are fortunate to have Karen Sibley as a leader at Brown,” Colvin said. “Karen understands Brown’s distinctive culture and can translate the high-touch education we provide to diverse audiences.”

She will also work closely with the Brown Graduate School in growing programs for professional learners and for the University’s alumni body. “Brown has an important role to play in meeting the growing demand for master’s level training,” said Peter M. Weber, dean of the Graduate School.

The School of Professional Studies has developed courses of study in business and in healthcare leadership. Future plans include an executive master’s degree in cybersecurity and new programs that bring Brown educational opportunities to larger audiences of non-resident learners. “By expanding our professional educational offerings, we provide a whole new audience of learners with the ability to experience the value that Brown has to offer,” Sibley said. “In turn, we give Brown faculty the opportunity to engage with a new kind of outstanding student.”