College of Global Futures gains new leadership

Arizona State University's College of Global Futures is dedicated to creating a sustainable, equitable and vibrant future for everyone, and college leadership is guiding that vision.

Two scholars have joined the college, which aims to guide students and faculty and address the most critical challenges of our world. Miki Kittilson has been named associate dean for faculty success and strategic partnerships, and Kathleen Vogel has been named the interim director for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society.  

Miki Kittilson

Kittilson comes to the College of Global Futures from the School of Politics and Global Studies, taking over the role from Professor Nicole Darnall, who is returning to a faculty position in the School of Sustainability. Kittilson is a first-generation college student, a community college transfer and was an undergraduate student at ASU. Her research addresses the challenges of democratic inclusion, with a focus on gender justice and women's representation in government. She is also the former president of the ASU Faculty Women’s Association and chaired the committee that brought the 2021 American Association for the Advancement of Science’s STEM Equity Achievement (SEA Change) Award to ASU. Her strong background has shaped the values and perspective she is bringing to the college.

“I’m excited to be working with such a talented, innovative and dedicated group of faculty, staff and students as they address the urgent challenges for the future of our planet," Kittilson said.

“Miki Kittilson has strong academic and practical expertise in gender dynamics and inclusion," said Christopher Boone, dean of the College of Global Futures. "Miki is committed to carrying out the inclusive mission of the College of Global Futures and making the college an exemplar of the ASU Charter.”

Kittilson believes faculty success and inclusion are deeply connected to the success of students and will support and foster that success.

"I look forward to the opportunity to facilitate faculty collaboration, professional development, mentorship networks and transformative and globally impactful research and teaching,” Kittilson said. "We need the full range of their talents to address complex and urgent challenges."

Kathleen Vogel

Vogel joined the School for the Future of Innovation in Society last fall as the deputy director and a professor. She is replacing the school's founding director, Dave Guston, who is moving to the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory as associate vice provost for discovery, engagement and outcomes. Vogel will oversee a busy year as the school goes through its first external academic program review. 

"There's so much going on in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society," Vogel said. "It's going to be a great time to reflect and see where we are and what we need to focus on for the future."

“Kathleen Vogel brings to the position a year of experience as the deputy director of the school," Boone said. "From my interactions with Kathleen, it is clear that she has always had the best interests of the students, staff and faculty in mind with every decision she makes.” 

The search for a permanent director for the school will begin this fall, with the goal of having the new director in place by summer 2022. Although Vogel will only be in this role for a short time, she is looking to make a big impact. 

"I want to help faculty, staff and students realize their potential and what they want out of their careers and lives," Vogel said. "When this role ends, I want to be able to look back and know that I encouraged and supported them."