BoCurrent Dean of Professional Studies, Dr. Bo Hannaford, will be recommended to fill the Vice President of Academic Affairs position at Northwestern.

Dr. Janet Cunningham, University President, announced Tuesday that she will be recommending current Dean of the School of Professional Studies, Dr. Bo Hannaford, to the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma as Vice President of Academic Affairs effective July 1, 2016.

Hannaford will replace the current Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Steve Lohmann, who will retire in June.

“Dr. Hannaford brings an impressive record of academic leadership and success to the position,” Cunningham said in a press release issued by University Relations on Tuesday. “His experience as a division chair and dean provide him with a unique perspective in serving students and faculty. His knowledge of our academic programs and services will be most beneficial as we work to navigate through budget challenges and an ever-changing higher education landscape.”

Hannaford graduated from Northwestern with an undergraduate degree in education in 1992. He then completed a master’s degree in 1996 and a doctorate in administration leadership in 2010.

Hannaford then spent 16 years as a teacher and administrator at several universities and public secondary schools.

In 2011, Hannaford returned to Northwestern as the chair of the Division of Education and a year later was promoted to the Dean of the School of Professional Studies.

In his time at Northwestern, Hannaford has been successful in leading the reaccreditation efforts of the teacher education program. He recently played a role in the approval of the new doctoral program in Advanced Nursing Practice.

In a press release issued by University Relations, Hannaford expressed his appreciation for opportunity to play a larger role in the university’s academic successes.

“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to serve as the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and I look forward to being able to work with an outstanding faculty and experienced senior staff,” Hannaford said.