Contact: Anthony de Bruyn, (512) 499-4363

Date: September 25, 2003

UT System News Release

Vice Chancellor for Educational System Alignment Accepts Faculty Position at U. T. Austin

AUSTIN - Edwin R. Sharpe, vice chancellor for educational system alignment in The University of Texas System, has been appointed to a clinical professorship in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin.

The appointment was made today (Sept. 25) by Sheldon Ekland-Olson, executive vice president and provost at U.T. Austin, in consultation with Chancellor Mark G. Yudof.

In his new position, Sharpe will teach classes and conduct research in the college's department of educational administration. He will also work with the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost on various public education improvement initiatives including continuation of his service as chairman of the U.T. Elementary School Management Board. He will assume his new responsibilities January 1, 2004.

"Ed Sharpe is a remarkably talented and valued colleague," said Ekland-Olson. "Most recently he has been a central figure in efforts to improve the links between higher education, community colleges and public education. His role in launching the University of Texas Elementary School in east Austin can hardly be overstated. We are delighted he has accepted the offer to return to the university."

As vice chancellor for educational system alignment, Sharpe has been responsible for the U.T. System K-16 program and the UT TeleCampus, the system's web-based distance learning program.

Sharpe joined the System administration in 1998 as vice chancellor for academic affairs and was promoted in 1999 to executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. Yudof named him to his current post in 2002.

"Ed Sharpe has served the U.T. System and The University of Texas at Austin in numerous positions of responsibility over the past several years," said Yudof. "I am grateful that he will continue to offer his abundant talents and expertise in K-16 education to the state and the System in this new capacity."

Prior to his service at the System, Sharpe held senior administrative positions at U.T. Austin. He was vice president for administration from 1984 to 1994 and vice president for administration and public affairs from 1994 to 1998. He also served as interim president of U.T. Permian Basin from January 1992 to May 1993. His career with the System and U.T. Austin spans over 25 years.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate, Sharpe holds a bachelor's degree in economics, a master's of business administration degree, and a doctoral degree in higher education administration from U.T. Austin.

Yudof said that the Office of Educational System Alignment will be absorbed into the Office of Academic Affairs.

U.T. Austin's College of Education

U.T. Elementary Charter School

Academic Affairs

High resolution photo of Dr. Sharpe