Education professor takes on new role as associate provost for planning and assessment

Paulette Isaac-Savage has worn many different hats during her time at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, but she’s looking the most forward to her newest one.

Isaac-Savage was named the associate provost for planning and assessment at UMSL as of this month. She will report to UMSL Provost Glen Cope and be housed in the Office of Academic Affairs.

“Dr. Isaac-Savage is a wonderful addition to the academic affairs team,” Cope said. “Her combination of experience at UMSL in assessment and planning as a professor, department chair and researcher have prepared her very well for the many facets of this position. She is well acquainted with the campus and is ready to take on this challenging role.”

As associate provost, Isaac-Savage will coordinate assessment activities including the five-year program reviews and assessment of learning outcomes. She will work on accreditation activities for the campus as well as on Access to Success (A2S) activities. She will also coordinate with Faculty Senate and University Assembly committees, department chairs and deans on undergraduate education and implementation of student success policies.

“I’ve had an interest in administration for awhile now,” said Isaac-Savage, a resident of O’Fallon, Ill. “I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to utilize my expertise in adult education as well as have a greater impact on the entire university by assisting more students and working more closely with faculty and staff.”

Since joining UMSL, Isaac-Savage has working in the Evening College, the College of Arts & Sciences, the Office of Support Services and most recently as a professor of educational leadership and policy studies in the College of Education. She’s conducted research and taught courses on adult education, including African American adult learners, health education and international adult education. She has been a consultant to the University of Western Cape in South Africa on fostering a culture of lifelong learning and has traveled to South Korea to work in the area of lifelong learning.

“I’ve enjoyed each of my positions at UMSL,” she said. “Each one has given me a chance to work with students and to help the university reach its mission.”