Early Bird

Congratulations to new AVP of Academic Effectiveness

Kim Barron will focus on academic-program and -unit review, reaccreditation and more.

By Lindsey Coulter

September 17, 2019

Kim Barron has accepted the position of associate vice president of Academic Effectiveness. In her new role, Barron will provide support, oversight and leadership in the areas of academic-program assessment; academic-program and -unit review; and accreditation and accountability — working collaboratively with all constituents to develop, improve and maintain high-quality assessment of student learning processes.

“Kim brings an enormous amount of knowledge about the worlds of assessment and accreditation,” said Provost Vicki Golich, Ph.D. “She has developed a positive reputation among faculty … and recognizes the critical role that faculty play in the assessment arena.”

She also will serve as Metropolitan State University of Denver’s accreditation liaison officer for the Higher Learning Commission and will lead the University through the extensive planning process for its next reaccreditation site visit in spring 2021.

Barron joined the University in 2017 as director of Academic Effectiveness, prior to which she directed institutionwide assessment, accreditation, institutional research, and state and federal compliance projects for several universities in the Upper Midwest. She received her bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in child and adolescent development from San José State University. She also holds a master’s degree in education with a focus on language, literacy and policy from Stanford University. Her background includes teaching and developing curriculum and assessment processes for English-language learners.

“As a first-generation college student, I am proud to serve MSU Denver students,” Barron said, adding that she has enjoyed working with MSU Denver faculty and staff in their efforts to provide a high-quality education to all students.