University of New Haven Appoints Forward-Looking Leader as Provost

The University of New Haven announced today that Nancy Ortins Savage, Ph.D., has been appointed provost and senior vice president of academic affairs following a national search in which more than 1,200 potential candidates were engaged during an extensive search process. Dr. Savage had served as the University’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs for nearly the last two years.

“Dr. Savage has excelled in an interim capacity, clearly proving herself to be a collaborative academic leader and problem-solver with a proven track record of fostering innovation,” said University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. “She distinguished herself from a deep pool of qualified candidates by conceiving and implementing a number of important initiatives that will play an integral role in the next great chapter in the University’s rich history. Her steadfast and proven leadership will be critical as the University moves rapidly toward an exciting and transformative future. I look forward to seeing the impact she continues to have on the experience of our students and faculty.”

Ninety-one individuals submitted formal applications. Eleven semifinalists met virtually with the search committee, and five finalists each spent a day on campus interacting with the University community.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to continue my work with our faculty and our staff in delivering an excellent education and meaningful academic experience to our students,” said Dr. Savage. “The University of New Haven means a great deal to me, and I am proud to have been a member of this community for nearly 20 years. Our faculty are distinguished scholars, educators, and practitioners in their fields, and their work is vital to the success of our students and our institution. The dedication they display in and out of the classroom creating cutting-edge and immersive learning opportunities for our students is inspiring.”

"Dr. Savage's steadfast and proven leadership will be critical as the University moves rapidly toward an exciting and transformative future. I look forward to seeing the impact she continues to have on the experience of our students and faculty." Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D.

During her interim appointment, Dr. Savage launched the University Interdisciplinary Collaborative to support the development and oversight of cutting-edge and market-responsive cross-college academic programs; implemented policies and processes that support student success; and created the Core Curriculum Innovation Committee. She also launched a new periodic program review process and partnered with the Division of Student Affairs to help enhance the Academic Integrity Policy.

In addition, she has led the executive committee for the University’s strategic plan implementation, developed an inclusion advocate program for faculty searches, and overseen the selection of several important positions in academic affairs, including the University Librarian, Assistant Provost for Faculty Development and Diversity Initiatives, Director for the Center for Teaching Excellence, and Makerspace Coordinator.

Dr. Savage served as deputy provost for six months prior to being appointed interim provost. She previously was associate dean of the Tagliatela College of Engineering, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, and coordinator of the University’s chemistry program. She joined the University as an assistant professor in 2005, earning tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2011, and promotion to rank of professor in 2017.

She was awarded a National Research Council postdoctoral fellowship that supported her work studying gas sensors at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. She earned her Ph.D. in chemistry from The Ohio State University and her B.S. in chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

A resident of West Hartford, Dr. Savage and her husband, Michael, have two college-aged sons, Colin and Andrew.