James DeVaney

Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Founding Executive Director for the Center for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan

In his role as the founding executive director of the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation and associate vice provost for academic innovation, James works at the intersection of strategy, design, policy, and technology while leading University-wide programs and initiatives designed to extend U-M’s academic excellence, expand the institution’s public purpose, and foster equity and inclusivity in higher education. He also works on a range of multi-institutional initiatives, advisory councils, and advisory boards to help build and sustain a global network for academic innovation. Prior to serving as the chief architect of U-M’s academic innovation strategy, James worked with and provided strategic counsel to more than 60 universities in more than 15 countries across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Australia and North America. His work centers on transforming access and developing sustainable models for equity, inclusion, and innovation in higher education.