The Office of the Provost has appointed to leadership positions five members of the George Washington University community in an effort to continue building on the university’s culture of academic excellence and enhancing the student experience.
The new appointments are: Geneva Henry, dean of libraries and academic innovation and vice provost for libraries and information technology; Colette Coleman, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students; Emily Hammond, vice provost for faculty affairs; Suresh Subramaniam, vice provost for graduate and postdoctoral affairs; and Jeffrey Brand, associate provost for undergraduate affairs and special programs. All appointments are effective July 1 except Subramaniam, whose appointment is effective Aug. 1.
The appointments provide strategic leadership for critical university populations and offer an opportunity for new collaborations with community members who have long been leaders in teaching, research and administration at GW. The Faculty Senate Executive Committee consulted on all final vice provost candidates.
“When I was named permanent provost earlier this year, one of my top priorities was creating and backfilling positions vital to our continued growth as a university with academic excellence as its touchstone,” said Provost Christopher Alan Bracey. “We have appointed to these roles faculty and staff members with many years of expertise at GW and in their fields, and I look forward to collaborating with them as we continue to strive for preeminence as a global research institution in our third century.”
Geneva Henry
Henry has been a member of the provost’s senior leadership team since joining the university in 2013, most recently serving as dean of libraries and academic innovation.
In her additional role as vice provost for libraries and information technology, Henry will lead GWIT and oversee the transition of GW’s IT infrastructure, working to align IT more closely with the university’s research, education and clinical services.
“GW's world-class academics, high impact research and excellent clinical service to the community aren't possible without reliable technology and support,” Henry said. “I look forward to bringing my 39 years of information and IT experience as a researcher, software developer, systems integration architect and organizational manager to this new opportunity.”
Colette Coleman
Coleman, M.B.A. ’14, most recently served as associate vice president for student affairs. With the retirement of M.L. “Cissy” Petty, Coleman’s role as vice provost for student affairs and dean of students is the leadership position that will oversee the Division for Student Affairs. This new alignment in the Office of the Provost allows close collaboration with Bracey as well as other university leadership to provide a holistic, world-class student experience that focuses on student success in and out of the classroom.
"GW has a long tradition of preparing leaders of the future,” Coleman said. “As we begin a new chapter, I am excited to build on this tradition by working with our students to create the GW of tomorrow."
Emily Hammond
As vice provost for faculty affairs, Hammond will fill Bracey’s previous role. Hammond will oversee the needs and well-being of faculty at all stages of their career and will work with campus leaders to build an academic culture of excellence rooted in faculty accomplishment.
Hammond joined the GW Law faculty in 2014 and has held numerous administrative roles in the school. Hammond was on leave during the 2021-2022 academic year, serving as deputy general counsel for litigation, regulation and enforcement at the U.S. Department of Energy.
“GW is a place of extraordinary faculty impact,” Hammond said. “Our colleagues produce cutting-edge knowledge, influence policy, foster inspiration and serve others while educating the next generation of leaders and helping them pursue their dreams. I'm honored to serve my faculty colleagues and the greater GW mission in this new role.”
Suresh Subramaniam
As vice provost for graduate and postdoctoral affairs, Subramaniam will lead the university’s commitment to strengthening the graduate and postdoctoral student experience.
Subramaniam has been a faculty member at GW since 1997 in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and most recently has worked as department chair.
“I am honored to be selected as GW's first vice provost for graduate and postdoctoral affairs and am looking forward to working with Provost Bracey and other colleagues in enhancing the experience of GW students and fellows,” Subramaniam said.
Jeffrey Brand
Brand has been a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy since 2002. As associate provost for undergraduate affairs and special programs, Brand will oversee specific programs within the Office of the Provost, such as the Honors Program and the Women’s Leadership Program, as well as other central initiatives that promote improvements in undergraduate education.
“Our president and provost are deeply committed to providing life-changing undergraduate experiences at GW,” Brand said. “It’s an honor for me to contribute to this important work.”