By Eli Hughes–

University of Louisville Provost Lori Gonzalez announced on June 11 that Gale Rhodes, vice provost and executive director of the Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning, is retiring. Her last day will be June 30 and a search for her replacement will begin during the fall 2021 semester.

“Gale has provided distinguished service to the University of Louisville since 1986 when she was named coordinator of Freshman Orientation courses. Since then, she has served in many roles ranging from director of academic services to director of distance and continuing education to her current role,” Gonzalez said in the email announcement.

Rhodes said that she is grateful for her time at the university and has enjoyed seeing the university grow and strive to become a great place for students.

“Louisville has been a great place for me to work, because I’ve grown so much and I’ve had lots of opportunities through the years and being able to make a difference, certainly in the lives of our faculty, but particularly for our students in the varied positions that I’ve had has made my career one that I’m really proud of,” Rhodes said. “So, I’m grateful to the university for the opportunities that they have provided me and also for the opportunities to make a difference.”

Marie Brown, associate director for teaching, learning and innovation at the Delphi Center, and Kristen Brown, associate director for online learning will serve as co-interim vice provosts until a long-term replacement can be found.

Rhodes stresses that whoever is chosen as her replacement will have a strong support system and they should take advantage of that help while they learn ways they can make their own mark on the Delphi Center.

“Whoever walks into this position next will have a very well-oiled machine of people who work very diligently and have so much to contribute to the institution. So what I would say to that person is trust your staff. They are really smart, they already know ways in which we can make a difference.”

An open house will be held in Rhodes’ honor on June 23 at the University Club.

Photo courtesy// The University of Louisville