A veteran Adams State University educator and administrator, Margaret Doell, M.F.A., has been appointed to vice president for academic affairs.
VP Doell served as assistant vice president from 2013-2018 before being elevated to associate vice president for the past five years. “My progressive roles in the Academic Affairs Office have enabled me to undertake a significant leadership role at Adams State,” VP Doell said.
A native of Altona, Manitoba, Canada, VP Doell began her tenure at Adams State in 1996 as assistant professor of art. In 2003, VP Doell accepted the position as art department chair, and continued in that role until 2015. She first served in the Office of Academic Affairs as interim assistant provost from 2006-2007, three semesters. “My hometown had a population of about 3000 when I was growing up. What initially drew me to Alamosa and Adams State was the friendly campus and the landscape. The juxtaposition of the flat valley floor, which reminded me of the Canadian prairies, with the novelty of the abrupt transition to the surrounding mountains fascinated me, and still does.”
Adams State President David Tandberg, Ph.D., appreciates the work of the search committee. “I am thrilled to have Margaret as Adams State’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. VP Doell has been a stable and extremely effective presence in the academic affairs office for over ten years. She has earned the respect of the faculty, administrative staff, and the executive team. I am confident under her leadership and guidance our academic schools will grow and thrive.”
VP Doell was instrumental in leading the institution through the accreditation process from 2014 through the present. She is the accreditation liaison officer, serving as primary contact between the Higher Learning Commission and Adams State regarding Commission policies, practices, and other matters related to accreditation. In this role, VP Doell coordinated and submitted all change requests including required updates, advisory visit reports, certificate approvals, additional locations and contractual agreements.
“I have worked to support schools and academic departments as they explore ways to build their programs and better support our students,” VP Doell added.
VP Doell participated in the American Council on Education Fellow Program, a national leader in higher education leadership training from 2012-2013; the Planning Institute, Society for College & University Planning, earning a certificate of completion in 2013; as well as other intensive leadership training. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and a Master of Fine Arts from Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
“When I first moved here 27 years ago, people told me the legends of the frog spirits that draw people to the valley and keep them here,” VP Doell added. “I have definitely found my home here. Over the years Adams State has provided me with many opportunities to grow and thrive. I am so excited to be able to continue to serve Adams State, our students, and the San Luis Valley community in the capacity of Vice President for Academic Affairs.”
VP Doell balances her creative and administrative interests. She serves on several University committees and twice presented at HLC annual conferences, in 2015 and 2023. She continues to exhibit in solo and group shows and has artwork in several permanent collections.
