Dear fellow members of the Columbia community,
After ten productive years of service to the University, Carol Hoffman will retire from her position as Associate Provost and founding Director of the Office of Work/Life following the conclusion of the fall semester.
President Bollinger and former Provost Alan Brinkley created the Work/Life office, transforming the University’s approach to supporting faculty and others with work/life needs and conflicts. Carol launched the office and because of her leadership, today Columbia has one of the most robust programs among its peers.
Under Carol’s leadership, the Office of Work/Life has developed a number of valuable and innovative services and programs, including the Housing Information and Referral Service; the Faculty Recruitment and Relocation Service, including the Spouse/Partner Dual Career Service; the School and Child Search Service; Backup Care for children, adults and elders; Breastfeeding Support including 14 lactation rooms throughout all Columbia campuses; and a range of Wellness programs and initiatives. She also serves as liaison to the Affiliated Child Care Centers and added three centers that accept infants/toddlers to the network.
Carol has brought a collaborative approach to engaging faculty and staff in identifying and addressing work/life challenges. She is a national leader in her field, and we are proud of her many accomplishments on behalf of the University.
Carol will continue to offer her extensive experience and expertise to higher education, governmental, and non-profit organizations. Please join me in thanking her for the major contributions she has made to help Columbia faculty, staff, and students lead successful personal and work lives.
Carol leaves Columbia having put in place a state of the art Work/Life program and an able team of professional experts. I have asked Troy Eggers, Vice Provost of Administration and Planning, to conduct the search for a new head of Work/Life.
Sincerely,
John H. Coatsworth
Provost
