Jeff Capadona, professor of biomedical engineering, and Kathleen Horvath, professor of music, have been named the associate provosts for graduate education and academic affairs, respectively.
The two new associate provost positions were created to provide leadership and guidance at a time when the university is advancing efforts to better the student experience at all levels.
“Both Jeff and Kathleen bring a tremendous amount of knowledge, but moreover they will add needed voices from across the university. I want to thank the Faculty Senate Committee on Women Faculty and the entire Faculty Senate for their support,” Provost and Executive Vice President Ben Vinson III said. “I am incredibly grateful for both Jeff and Kathleen as we embark on accreditation and elevate our efforts with our graduate and professional students.”
Among other activities, Capadona will provide leadership for the School of Graduate Studies and oversee the development and review of graduate and professional degree programs as associate provost for graduate education.
As associate provost for academic affairs, Horvath will provide leadership in focused initiatives carried out by the Office of the Provost, such as institutional accreditation. Another initiative she will take on is to explore the student experience at Case Western Reserve as it relates to rates of persistence toward degree completion.
These newly created roles are 50% positions, so both new associate provosts will continue academic activity in their fields. Horvath will begin July 1 and Capadona will begin Sept. 1.
About Jeff Capadona
Jeffrey R. Capadona is an accomplished biomedical engineer whose research focuses on developing strategies to prevent the body from rejecting various brain implants.
In his appointment as associate provost for graduate education, Capadona hopes to contribute to the university’s culture of continuous improvement and to strengthen the university’s stature as a leader in graduate education.
“This appointment is an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth to be able to understand the distinct and parallel issues for graduate students and programs across the university, state and country,” he said.
Capadona’s research has resulted in $48.5 million in funding (with over $18.5 million as the lead investigator), 85 manuscripts, and nearly 10,000 citations. He has received numerous awards for his mentoring, teaching and research accomplishments, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and the John S. Diekhoff Award for Excellence in Graduate Mentoring.
Capadona began a tenure-track appointment as assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering in 2010. He received tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2015 and full professor in 2019. Capadona served as the associate chair for graduate education for biomedical engineering for eight years prior to becoming the executive vice chairman in 2022.
About Kathleen Horvath
Kathleen A. Horvath is professor of string education and pedagogy, and director of orchestras at Case Western Reserve University. She also serves as instructor of double bass and orchestral conducting at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
In-demand as a clinician, conductor and adjudicator, she presents at many national, state and international conferences. Her research is focused on the prevention of performance injuries and the accompanying teaching methodology that facilitates appropriate muscle training in developing performers.
In her new role as associate provost for academic affairs, she hopes to engage in innovative initiatives that raise the stature of the university globally, and contribute to developing a more robust campus life for students and faculty.
“Throughout my two decades on campus I have seen first-hand the impact CWRU has had on our graduates, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the institution through the process of growth and change,” she said.
Horvath holds a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music, a Master of Arts in String Pedagogy & Performance, and PhD in Music Education from The Ohio State University.