Karyn Scissum Gunn, who currently serves as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at Alabama State University, has been appointed associate vice president for academic operations for the Division of Academic Affairs.
The appointment is effective July 17.
The AVP will work closely with the provost to advance the strategic priorities of the University, with significant focus on strategic enrollment management, faculty affairs and institutional research.
Scissum Gunn comes to campus with more than 20 years experience as a faculty member, research scientist and administrator. She has been a department chair of both biological science and University College — the academic unit for freshman and transfer students — as well as director of biomedical research and training programs at Alabama State. The associate provost of the university since 2014, Scissum Gunn was named interim provost and vice president for academic affairs in December 2016.
She has led development of program initiatives with impact upon student learning outcomes, enrollment management, virtual learning and development, and inclusive excellence. As a peer faculty advocate, Scissum Gunn has developed and/or led various professional development activities, including junior faculty research opportunities, and instructional development in evidence-based teaching and mentoring.
As professor and researcher in microbiology, Scissum Gunn has produced more than 30 articles and 50 presentations, authored three degree programs, generated funding for a new instructional and research facility at Alabama State, and led endeavors that garnered more than $54 million in state and federal funding.
Scissum Gunn holds a Ph.D. in molecular genetics, with a minor in biochemistry, from Auburn University, as well as a master of science in cell biology from Tuskegee University.