Life-changing education to be focus of newly created role

By Colleen Mastony, Public Affairs, Originally published in the University Record on Oct. 25, 2024

President Santa J. Ono has appointed James DeVaney to be the special advisor to the president for academic innovation to help advance life-changing education, a key impact area of the Vision 2034 strategic plan.

DeVaney will work closely with the university’s leadership in the newly created role and continue to serve as the founding executive director of the Center for Academic Innovation and associate vice provost for academic innovation.

His advisory role will encompass areas such as lifelong learning, artificial intelligence in education, online education, alternative credentials and workforce development — fields that align with U-M’s commitment to create equitable, lifelong educational opportunities for all learners.

“James is a nationally recognized leader in academic innovation and he has been instrumental in expanding access to high-quality, transformative learning experiences,” Ono said. “His vision and expertise will be invaluable as we work closely together, along with university leadership, to achieve our Vision 2034 goals — especially in advancing life-changing education for students on campus and beyond.”

Through the CAI, DeVaney has helped transform U-M’s educational landscape by creating and scaling innovative programs and initiatives that enhance teaching and learning, expand the U-M community and extend the university’s impact.

The center has been a catalyst for partnerships across disciplines and around the world, extending the university’s reach through innovative design, technology and creative solutions. In his new role, DeVaney will continue to drive initiatives that align with the university’s strategic priorities, leveraging emerging technologies to ensure U-M’s offerings remain relevant in an era increasingly shaped by AI.

“It’s an honor to take on this new role and further support U-M’s commitment to lifelong learning and innovation,” DeVaney said. “We are in a period of extraordinary change and the work we do together now will shape the future of education for years to come.

“I look forward to collaborating with President Ono and our university community to create learning opportunities that empower individuals, transform lives and contribute to a more informed and engaged society.”

Prior to joining U-M in 2014, DeVaney co-founded the global and digital education practices at Huron Consulting Group and established the firm’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa. Throughout his career, he has provided strategic counsel to the leadership of more than 75 universities in more than 15 countries.