Anthony Vizzini, the new vice president for academic affairs at Wichita State, knows he is in a state of change.

“You need to take in the data and [the] information and learn what it means to be a Shocker,” Vizzini said. “I am still in that transition.”

His resume suggests otherwise. He is the founding director of the Composites Research Laboratory of the University of Maryland, a former head of the department of aerospace engineering of the Mississippi State University, and dean of the college of engineering and applied sciences of the Western Michigan University.

“I think it is wise for me to [have my] eyes open, ears open, mouth closed,” said Vizzini.

Vizzini has been observing and learning about WSU since arriving July 2.

“It’s been great. It’s been a couple of good weeks of getting to know people, walking around the campus,” he said.

“We have enjoyed getting to know Vice President Vizzini since his arrival on July 2,” said Linnea GlenMaye, associate vice president for academic affairs. “He brings great enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of humor to our office and we are looking forward to an exciting year under his leadership.”

The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for all the academic programs.

The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for all the academic programs in the university. Despite of the recentness, Vizzini knows where he is heading to. “There are lots of strong programs and there are a lots of strong programs that can be stronger,” Vizzini said.

He also inspires his colleague to believe in the future with his past experience.

“I am very excited to have someone of his caliber in the VPAA position and look forward to working with him. His engineering experience and expertise in composite research will help further the university’s goal of enhancing research and technology,” said Dr. Richard Muma, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Vizzini’s colleagues seem enthusiastic about his arrival.

“I am very excited to have someone of his caliber in the VPAA position and look forward to working with him,” Richard Muma, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, said.

Vizzini said he intends to implement WSU’s plan to develop academics at the university.

“We are responsible for the qualities, consistencies, making sure that the students are getting the very best education curriculum that we can provide them and that our students are successful,” Vizzini said.

A part of that requires changes that include tuition increases, loss of parking spaces and a new dorm.

“There are transitions in all that, and during transition there are lots of frustrations,” Vizzini said. “But nothing worth having is easily obtained.”

“I have been fortunate to work with some great gentleman during my time at WSU, and Dr. Vizzini will be no different,” said Laura Manning, executive assistant to the vice president for academic affairs.

“He is a kind, compassionate, caring individual who is very considerate of others, is passionate about his work and who brings much enthusiasm to his new role as Vice President for Academic Affairs.