When DiPaola took over as acting chief academic officer in 2021, he spotlighted a number of key initiatives he wanted to tackle.
"That includes a plan to enhance communication for the office of the Provost, reaccreditation as a university, and developing a strategic plan, a roadmap that details our most important priorities and clear measurements for tracking our progress," he said in a video.
And UK President Eli Capilouto says DiPaola has delivered on a number of fronts — from leading the reaccreditation process through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to laying the groundwork in selecting new deans and enhancing diversity and inclusion on campus.
DiPaola, who has also served as Dean of the College of Medicine, was one of four finalists in a national search — one that ultimately led the university to promote from within. It's a move not all are comfortable with. University research professor Matthew Zook told the Herald-Leader he worries the decision could discourage outside candidates from applying in the future.
