UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Betty Harper has been appointed senior associate vice provost for Planning, Assessment and Institutional Research (OPAIR), effective July 1.
In her new role, Harper will provide leadership for the University's assessment, academic compliance and accreditation functions, working closely with faculty, academic leaders and administrative partners to strengthen institutional effectiveness and support Penn State's academic mission. She will also serve as Penn State's Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Harper will report to Lance Kennedy-Phillips, vice provost for Planning, Assessment and Institutional Research.
Harper brings more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, institutional effectiveness and assessment, including more than 17 years of progressive leadership roles at Penn State. Since 2022, she has served as assistant vice provost for assessment, leading the University's comprehensive learning outcomes assessment strategy across Penn State's undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.
Throughout her career at Penn State, Harper has held leadership positions in strategic planning, institutional research and student affairs assessment. She previously served as associate vice provost for planning and institutional research, where she helped guide University strategic planning initiatives, institutional research, benchmarking efforts and Penn State's Middle States accreditation self-study. She also led implementation of the University's assessment management system, supported faculty governance through assessment initiatives, and directed numerous institution-wide surveys and research projects that inform University decision-making.
"Betty is an exceptional leader whose thoughtful, collaborative approach has strengthened assessment, institutional effectiveness and accreditation efforts across Penn State," said Lance Kennedy-Phillips. "She has earned the trust and respect of faculty, staff and academic leaders through her expertise, integrity and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. Betty's leadership has helped build a culture where evidence is not simply collected, it is used to improve programs, strengthen student learning and inform strategic decisions
A nationally recognized leader in assessment and institutional effectiveness, Harper serves as a peer evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has contributed to national conversations on assessment, accreditation and higher education through her scholarship, professional service and presentations.
“I am delighted to welcome Betty to her new role as senior associate vice provost,” Kennedy-Phillips said. “Her leadership will further strengthen OPAIR's ability to advance Penn State's mission of academic excellence while serving as a trusted strategic partner to the University."