The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) announced today that Columbus State University’s Dr. Deborah E. Bordelon, who currently serves as provost and executive vice president, has accepted the role of senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. Bordelon’s final day as Columbus State’s provost will be May 31.

In her new position, Bordelon will serve as UHD’s chief academic officer and work collaboratively with the president, vice presidents and deans to further the academic mission of the institution. 

"As both a university president and a two-time provost myself, I can say that any institution where Deborah Bordelon serves is fortunate to have her," CSU President Chris Markwood said. "During our tenure together here at Columbus State, I have relied on her trusted counsel, and our university has benefited from her thoughtful leadership, collegiality and growth mindset."

Under her leadership, Columbus State developed and implemented several new programs, such as the BS/MS in Robotics Engineering, Master of Public Health, and three Nexus degrees in Film Production, Cybersecurity of FinTech, and Public Safety. She led the efforts to integrate the Momentum Approach across the campus and coordinated the development of the five-year Academic Master Plan with an emphasis on student success and economic development.

Prior to her tenure at CSU, which began in February 2018, Bordelon served as the provost and executive vice president of Governors State University in Illinois. Her higher education career also includes roles as dean of the College of Education at Governors State University, dean of the College of Education at Nicholls State University, and chair of the Division of Education and associate professor at Xavier University of Louisiana.

She holds a doctoral degree in special education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus on literacy, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education–all from the University of New Orleans. 

Columbus State plans to appoint an interim provost to serve until a formal search concludes. The university will provide details on both efforts once it finalizes those plans.

The web-based version of this release is available on the Columbus State University website at news.columbusstate.edu.