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By Katherine Doble, Barry University Communications Office

February 28, 2024, Miami, Florida – Barry University announced the appointment of Dr. Pablo Ortiz as Provost, effective June 1, 2024. 

As Chief Academic Officer of the University, Dr. Ortiz will lead academic strategy and program development; advance faculty achievements, teaching, and research; and coordinate academic support teams across the colleges and schools within academic affairs to foster student-centered initiatives.  

Dr. Ortiz will oversee academic programs at Barry University’s main campus in Miami, the School of Law in Orlando, and multiple graduate and doctoral offerings in the Bahamas and throughout Florida. 

An experienced academic administrator with a track record of academic excellence, Dr. Ortiz served as Vice Provost at Florida International University (FIU), where he assisted in attaining top national college rankings, reinvigorated their global initiatives, and transformed their Biscayne Bay Campus. Dr. Ortiz recently served as the Interim Senior Vice President of Advancement and CEO of the FIU Foundation and now serves as the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. 

Dr. Ortiz’s accomplishments at FIU include enhancing the facilities, expanding enrollment, contributing to an increase in the graduation rate of first-time college students by 26%, and significantly elevating student persistence. 

Before serving at FIU, Dr. Ortiz was a leader and principal in the Miami Dade County Public School system, where he received multiple Principal of the Year awards and most notably spearheaded Miami Edison Senior High School’s ranking turnaround.

Dr. Jose Dotres, a Barry University alum and Superintendent of Schools for Miami Dade County, worked closely with Dr. Ortiz during his time in the public school system. “As a visionary and innovative leader, Dr. Ortiz adds immense value to Barry University,” he said. “He has committed himself to enhancing student access, retention, graduation, and inclusivity. He will be a true asset and a strong advocate for all students.”  

Barry University President Dr. Mike Allen said, “In Dr. Ortiz, we found an accomplished leader with remarkable academic acumen and a history of leading institutional improvements and promoting excellence around student success and faculty development. His astute, data-driven transformational approach paired with our commitment to excellence, social mobility, and global impact will make him a successful leader for years to come.”  

Dr. Ortiz, born in South Florida, is a first-generation Cuban American with experience and accolades at every level of education, from K-12 to higher education. He received his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

“I am honored and excited to join the Barry University family as the new Provost,” Dr. Ortiz said. “Barry is not just a university; it is a dynamic community on the rise, driven by outstanding faculty, visionary leadership, and the unwavering commitment to shape future leaders.”