Yvonne Villanueva-Russell

Meet the Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Dr. Yvonne Villanueva-Russell has served as UNC Asheville’s Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs since July 1, 2024. An internationally recognized keynote speaker and award-winning teacher, she has broad experience in student access, success, and retention strategies for first-year, graduate, and non-traditional students across all disciplines. Her work in capacity building and new program development led to her being principal investigator of grants totaling $2.6 million. During her time at UNC Asheville, she has overseen a comprehensive revision of the University’s core curriculum and a reorganization of the Academic Affairs division.

Prior to joining UNC Asheville, Dr. Villanueva-Russell served as dean of the College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce and was appointed in 2023 as Special Assistant on Innovation to the Chancellor for the entire Texas A&M System. She began her career as an assistant professor of sociology at Commerce in 2002, eventually earning tenure and promotion to full professor. Starting in 2008, she began a series of administrative appointments, first as department head for Sociology & Criminal Justice. Villanueva-Russell then served as assistant dean for the Honors College; associate dean for the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts; and dean of the University College. She currently serves on the advisory board of the Stanford Life Design Lab. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and is a member of the Board of Directors for Blue Ridge Public Radio.

Provost Villanueva-Russell’s vision for the Academic Affairs division takes a forward-looking approach with a focus on steady and measured adaptability to the changing climate in technology, workforce, and student needs.