The University of Alabama at Birmingham has named Lisa Castellino-Gergich, Ph.D., vice provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics.
Castellino-Gergich comes to UAB from West Virginia University, where she serves as associate vice president for Institutional Data and Analytics and chief data officer. A senior higher-education executive with more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience, she has led multimillion-dollar initiatives spanning institutional research, institutional effectiveness, outcomes assessment, data governance, data management and strategic planning.
Castellino-Gergich holds a Ph.D. in administration and leadership studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on organizational leadership and change management. She holds practitioner-level certification as a DAMA Certified Data Management Professional and master-level certification as an ICCP Artificial Intelligence Certified Professional. She has been an active member of several leading professional organizations in institutional research and higher education effectiveness throughout her career and served as a board member for the Association for Higher Education Effectiveness from 2018 to 2020.
“I am honored to join a university so deeply committed to using data and analytics to support every student it serves,” Castellino-Gergich said. “I look forward to partnering with colleagues across campus to connect UAB’s bold investments in data decisions that matter most — supporting students, strengthening programs and advancing the goals of UAB’s strategic plan.”
Castellino-Gergich’s career encompasses a range of institution types, from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, where she supported 14 universities at the system level, to public comprehensive institutions within the 23-campus California State University system and R1 research universities. This breadth of experience provides a distinctive cross-sector perspective on the challenges facing higher education today.
“Dr. Castellino-Gergich brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, analytical expertise and deep experience in institutional effectiveness that aligns closely with UAB’s mission and priorities,” said Janet Woodruff-Borden, Ph.D., senior vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “Her extensive background in data governance, institutional research and evidence-based planning will strengthen UAB’s ability to make informed decisions that support student success, research excellence and operational effectiveness across our institution.”
Castellino-Gergich begins her new role July 1, 2026.