Elizabeth Rainey, Ed.D., joined the Fordham University administration this fall as the inaugural vice provost for student success.
Rainey’s hiring comes in response to recent feedback to the university administration, urging them to establish a stronger first-year experience for students. As a result, conversations surrounding student success and retention arose, thus prompting a new position in the Provost’s office to address these shortcomings.
The position is part of a larger five-year strategic plan by President Tania Tetlow, according to Fordham Now.
Rainey comes to Fordham with 22 years of experience within higher education administration, most recently serving as assistant provost at Loyola University New Orleans. She has also served as advising dean at Columbia University and also as an admissions counselor at New York University.
“The Vice Provost for Student Success is a new leadership role that focuses on retention and student success, and promoting Fordham students’ growth, well-being, and sense of belonging,” Rainey said when asked what her job entailed. “In this role I oversee academic records, academic support for student athletes, the career center, the first year experience, international student services, and ROTC.”
She said her job is holistic and works with students from their first year to graduation day, to ensure their Fordham experience is as well-rounded and successful as possible.
Michael Trerotola, the chief of staff in the President’s Cabinet, noted the importance of the Fordham community members sharing their ideas with administrators. “This is a chance to give ideas,” Trerotola shared with Fordham Now. “President Tetlow really does read all the feedback from the community.”
Rainey said she was drawn to her position because of her belief in Fordham’s longstanding Jesuit mission, especially as a Bronx native.
“I love collaborating across areas to create an engaging student experience,” she said.
She began her role in the middle of September and has spent a great deal of time connecting and collaborating with her new colleagues. In her role, she works closely with college deans, enrollment management and information technology and student affairs, among other departments.
“Next, I hope to connect directly with students to learn more about their hopes for One Fordham,” Rainey said.
Rainey also described her desire to further connect with the community and get to know faculty, staff and students.
“I even purchased a meal plan so I could spend time with and around students, so come say hello if you see me in the Marketplace!” she said when asked what she has done so far in her position.
As Vice Provost, Rainey has a strategic plan that includes trying to strengthen communication between the university departments and students as well as furthering the sense of school pride at Fordham.
In reference to her plans for the future, she said, “I’m looking forward to increasing the use of effective tools like Ram Central, updating policies and procedures that support student success and building out the first-year experience.”
Rainey also had noted the importance of Jesuit-educated professionals in the workforce and the greater world.
“Ensuring students who enroll at Fordham go on to graduate and step into careers is the core mission of the University,” she said when asked about the importance of her position. “Leading student success at a Jesuit institution means we are centered around compassion, curiosity and hope.”
University Provost Dennis Jacobs also shared a statement about Rainey. He said he was happy to welcome her to this inaugural position in the university administration.
“In this newly fashioned role, Dr. Rainey will enhance and coordinate Fordham’s efforts to support the holistic development of each and every student and ready them to pursue meaningful careers,” Jacobs said. “As a New York native and Georgetown alumna who has spent the majority of her career in Jesuit Higher education, she brings a wealth of experience to help Fordham deliver a truly transformative educational experience,” Jacobs added.
