Q&A: Meet Rachel Davis Mersey, ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ executive vice president and provost

Rachel Davis Mersey is ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ’s executive vice president and provost, overseeing University research and overall academic quality, including admissions, faculty development, international programs, libraries and eight degree-granting schools. She joined ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ on June 1.

Learn more in the Q&A below about Provost Mersey’s vision, what she considers ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ’s most exciting opportunities for academic innovation and why she is passionate about her impressive sneaker collection.

Q: What is the role of the provost, and how will it change?

The provost is responsible for the oversight and direction of the academic and research areas of the university. Joining ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ, I have been uniquely charged with defining what a new level of academic excellence means on the Hilltop and developing the strategy to achieve it. That comes with the incredible honor of working directly with each of the deans of our schools, alongside the senior staff in the Provost’s Office, to support and bring innovation to all aspects of how we research, teach and learn on campus, as well as how we attract, select and retain the best and most talented faculty.

Q: What do you see as the most exciting opportunities for academic innovation at ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ?

ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ has always been committed to academic excellence. Now is the perfect time to enhance our approach to take ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ’s academic standing to the next level. This means investing in people first – people who lean into creativity and innovation. We will support and challenge our current faculty and staff to achieve their best while also recruiting new talent from across the country. By combining fresh ideas with ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ’s established strengths, we have the chance to propel the University and its graduates forward. Importantly, we must pair academic innovation with a focus on critical thinking and reading skills. These core competencies prepare students for success regardless of their degree paths and increase the value they bring to their communities as ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ alumni.

Q: Now that we have achieved Research One status, how do you plan to advance ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ’s position as a leading research university?

Earning R1 status is an incredible achievement. It resets the foundation from where we will grow. That growth looks like retaining and attracting outstanding researchers and practitioners who will contribute to the academic enterprise that is uniquely ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ. And by that, I mean high-quality research and craft that is relevant to today’s challenges, engages students and has synergy with business and community priorities and partnerships here in Dallas.

Q: How has your expertise in digital media and communications provided you with a unique perspective on leading institutions through change?

While technology plays an important role, I’ve learned that successful progress in a university setting must begin with people. My background in communications gives me a deep appreciation for the human side of transformation: how we listen, engage, build trust and inspire action. It means understanding what is said and unsaid. In times of change, which I believe are ever-present, consistent, thoughtful communication that provides a shared purpose is essential to connecting people and enabling us to move together to best serve our students.

Q: How do you see the role of experiential learning evolving at ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ under your leadership?

Experiential learning is crucial for both knowledge retention and skill mastery. The city of Dallas provides an incredible environment to differentiate ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ as an institution of higher – and immersive – learning. We are situated at the heart of one of our nation’s most dynamic regions, where industry leaders across sectors understand our strategic vision and want to partner with us. They are in health care, technology, transportation, finance, civil and public service, the creative and performing arts, my field of journalism and media, and many more. There are few universities that have such comprehensive resources available from a civic and business perspective, and even fewer in a region as thriving and entrepreneurial as North Texas. Our goal is to combine cutting-edge classroom modalities with increased external opportunities and practical experiences for students in all disciplines. We know the entire community benefits when we connect rising talent with hands-on, real-world applications.

Q: What are your early impressions about the ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ community?

The Mustang community has been so welcoming, and I’m grateful to the community members—on campus and off—who have reached out already. It leaves me genuinely excited to be a part of campus and the greater community. I’m here to learn, to explore, to connect, to lead and to embrace the unique cultures of ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ and Dallas while I identify opportunities to get involved and give back. What I know already is that ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ has unique combination of offering a thoughtful liberal arts education paired with strong professional schools, fundamentals and theory coupled with applied learning and experiences, spirited culture matched with the values of ethical and entrepreneurial leadership, a vibrant setting surrounded by current and future partners, and a passionate alumni base and city who want us to succeed and are committed to providing strong support.

Q: What are you most excited about in your role?

I am excited to be a part of a truly aligned and determined leadership team! Together, we will raise the bar on academic excellence, ensuring we deliver on the bold ambitions for ºìÌÒÓ°ÊÓ’s future.

Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?

As people tend to notice, I love sneakers! In addition to my major in communications, I was a studio art major in college, so I also love working with my hands. I am combining these two passions by attending online sneaker school to learn how to make sneakers from scratch. I must admit that refining my craft is slow going. I will be buying sneakers for a long time before I am wearing my own, but I take great satisfaction in learning and experimenting.