UD interim president announces interim finance chief and other upper-level changes

Kissal has held senior executive roles at Emory University and George Mason University, as well as in the transportation and technology sectors.

She will serve in the role as UD launches a search for the next Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration.

Carlson also  announced the appointment of Beth Brand as the new Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. Brand has held leadership roles within that office.

Brand succeeds Jim Dicker, who held that role for eight years.

Angela Downin will now oversee the University Secretary's office as Vice President, General Counsel and University Secretary.

Carlson disclosed  the elimination of the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management. Rodney Morrison, who  served in that  role, has left the university.

"I thank Rodney for his work supporting enrollment initiatives during a period of considerable change in higher education."

According to the letter, enrollment responsibilities will be shared by Yosmeriz Roman, associate vice president for Enrollment Management: Enrollment and Access Initiatives, and Amanda Steele-Middleton, associate vice president for Enrollment Management: Progression and Completion.

In a related note, not mentioned in Carlson's note,   New Castle County Chief Financial Officer Jill Fiore left her position to "pursue a new professional opportunity at the University of Delaware," a county release stated.

 While Carlson holds an interim role, no search effort is underway for the UD president's position.

The university has been hit by several high-level resignations, including the departure of CFO Mary  Remmler followed by the resignation of  President Dennis Assanis.

UD, like  other universities, is also facing financial challenges that now include the loss of federal funds.

 The issues have led professors to question the transparancy of university finances and the scope  of a construction boom on the Newark campus at a time when finances are tight and existing buildings are in need of upgrades.