Interdisciplinary Studies and Innovation

Our Faculty and Staff

Our team is deeply passionate about reimagining the future of higher education. Like our students, we work collaboratively and across disciplines to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences. We’re dedicated to preparing students to thrive in a complex, global world—equipping them with the skills to navigate difficult conversations, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and drive meaningful change.

Leadership

Andrew T. Arroyo,  Ed.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Interim Dean of the University College
Professor of Educational Leadership

atarroyo@vcu.edu

Dr. Arroyo leverages the scope of Academic Affairs and collaborates with academic deans from all VCU schools/colleges and other VCU academic leaders to ensure that University College serves all VCU students, regardless of major. Learn more from joint 2025 Strategic Plan.

Dr. Arroyo is accepting students now for his VIP, "AI and Swift Futuring." Please contact him directly for more information. Open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Andrew T. Arroyo headshot

Mariah Crilley, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice Provost for University Interdisciplinary Programs
Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs

mtcrilley@vcu.edu

Mariah Crilley, wearing a black leather jacket

Mary-Chris Escobar
Associate Dean of Student Success & Life Design

escobarmc@vcu.edu

Mary-Chris Escobar

Stephanie L. Hart, Ed.D.
Director of Finance, Shared Services
Office of the Provost

slhart@vcu.edu
Stephanie Hart

David Slipher
Director of Communications

slipherd@vcu.edu 

David Slipher

Advising

Christina Davis
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies

daviscl7@vcu.edu

 

A woman wearing a black blazer with a white graphic T-Shirt that reads: Strong, Resilent, Indigenous

Audrina Farrar
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies

farraral@vcu.edu

A woman wearing a fark-blue denim jacket with a brown shirt and gold earrings.

Richard Quarshie
Senior Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies

quarshier2@vcu.edu 

A man wearing a black and blue top.

Gaby Figuero
Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies

rolimdasig@vcu.edu

Gaby Figure smiling in a white floral blouse in front of a yellow background.

Faculty

William Benton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Program Director
Master of Product Innovation

wbenton@vcu.edu

William Benton

Zach Hilpert, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies

zhilpert@vcu.edu

A man wearing a blue collar shirt

Kimberly Matthews, Ph.D.
Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies
VCU Transform Faculty

matthewska@vcu.edu 

A woman smiling wearing a black blazer and glasses

Michael Rackett, Ph.D.
Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies
VCU Transform Faculty

rackettmr@vcu.edu 

A man wearing a blue collared shirt

Vineeta Singh, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Program Director
Interdisciplinary Studies

singhv8@vcu.edu

A woman smiling wearing a green blouse with glasses.

Jason Vest
Instructor Faculty
Innovation
Podium Education

vestjr@vcu.edu

Jason Vest

Staff

Caslin Applewhite
Communications Coordinator

applewhiteec@vcu.edu

Caslin Applewhite

AJ Dunn
Business Manager Liaison
Office of the Provost

ajdunn@vcu.edu

 

AJ Dunn

Maunchi Khan
Administrative Coordinator 

khanm31@vcu.edu

Kyle Pineault
Communications Specialist

pineaultkc@vcu.edu

Kyle Pineault

Samantha Weed 
Enrollment Coordinator

weedsj@vcu.edu

Samantha in a red floral top in front of greenery smiling with her hair down.