Earlier this month, CRLT bid an official farewell to our long-time Executive Director Connie Cook, who has led the Center for over 20 years. On January 9, hundreds of U-M teachers and administrators gathered in the Michigan League to honor Connie and celebrate her array of impressive accomplishments at the head of CRLT.

Among the achievements highlighted in remarks by Mary Sue Coleman, Martha Pollack, and Lester Monts were Connie's contributions to developing a culture of teaching at U-M, through CRLT's focus on diversity and inclusion in teaching, organization of Provost's Seminars on Teaching, and support of pedagogical innovation across campus. Speakers also noted Connie's key role in connecting U-M with higher education in China, where she has supported the development of dozens of teaching centers, as well as her national leadership in faculty development here in the U.S. Connie will begin the new adventure of retirement on February 1.

Upon Connie's departure, CRLT will be led by Matthew Kaplan, in the position of Interim Director. Currently CRLT's Managing Director, Matt has been with the Center since 1994. A PhD in Comparative Literature, Matt is also nationally recognized as a scholar on teaching, learning, and faculty development, having published on topics including evaluation of teaching, technology and teaching, and the use of interactive theatre in faculty development. He, too, has been a leader of the national professional organizations for teaching center professionals. Here at CRLT, we're all excited to work with Matt in his new role!