FSU names new leader for academic innovation

Paul F. Marty, a professor in the School of Information, is now FSU’s Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation.
Paul F. Marty, a professor in the School of Information, is now FSU’s Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation.

Florida State University has named Paul F. Marty the associate vice provost for academic innovation, a role dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration across the university.

Marty, a professor in the School of Information, brings extensive experience in museum informatics, technology and innovation to his new role.

In his new position, Marty will work with faculty, staff and students to integrate new ideas into the university’s educational practices and help shape interdisciplinary cooperation. His appointment aligns with FSU’s commitment to advancing academic innovation as part of its Strategic Plan and Vision 2030.

“Florida State University is fortunate to have amazing faculty and staff engaging in innovative academic practices in every unit on campus,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Our faculty are brilliant, and Paul is uniquely positioned to help cultivate that brilliance by promoting innovation and collaboration across departmental boundaries and encouraging our faculty to share their innovative ideas with their colleagues across campus.”

Marty’s background in museum computing and his research on the evolving roles of technology professionals in museums have earned him national and international recognition. He has served on editorial boards and committees for organizations such as Museum Management and Curatorship, Museums and the Web and the Museum Computer Network.

“Paul has a unique ability to collaborate with others and to communicate the opportunities afforded by technologies into strategic outcomes for FSU and its students,” said Rick Burnette, senior vice provost and chief (academic) strategy officer, who highlighted Marty’s leadership in engaging faculty over the past year to explore how they can leverage AI to augment teaching and learning.

“Paul will help faculty, staff and students move quickly to proactively adopt innovative ideas for improving higher education,” Burnette said. “He will also work to streamline FSU’s efforts to invest in and engage with academic innovation across the university.”

Marty’s appointment reinforces the university’s commitment to preparing its faculty and students for success in a world where technology and innovation play an increasingly important role, said Burnette, adding that Marty’s role also will support FSU’s long-term goals.

“Paul’s leadership is crucial as we work toward achieving our Vision 2030 goals and in reinforcing FSU’s role as a national leader in academic innovation,” Burnette said. “His efforts to drive interdisciplinary collaboration and technological advancement will help us differentiate FSU from other top universities in the evolving landscape of higher education.”

Marty expressed enthusiasm about his new role and the opportunity to contribute to FSU’s growth in academic innovation.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with our faculty to help share their ideas across campus and build an ecosystem that supports interdisciplinary communication and collaboration around academic innovation,” Marty said. “We are working hard to build a culture that involves our faculty, staff and students as active participants in the adoption and use of innovative ideas, methodologies and technologies in teaching and research, and I am excited to help tell the story of our accomplishments here at FSU.”