Faculty and Staff Support the U: Associate Provost Keeps Her Alma Mater Moving Forward

Mary Sapp knows that financial support from faculty, employees, and alumni is a big reason the University of Miami is rising steadily in the national rankings. "These contributions play a major role in improving the quality of our educational and research programs, as well as our campus facilities," says Sapp, M.S. '86, associate provost for planning, institutional research, and assessment.

"I believe strongly in the value of education, particularly at the university level," she says. "Education can level the playing field so that minority, immigrant, and low-income students can succeed on their personal merits."

Mary Sapp

Sapp's own generosity has earned her membership in UM's Loyalty Society, which honors alumni donors who make gifts for two or more consecutive years. "On a personal level, I feel good about helping to keep our University moving forward by donating to my alma mater each year through the Annual Fund," she says

Sapp's office conducts ongoing research on the University's programs, studying such key indicators as the academic credentials of students and faculty, graduation rates, and research grants. "We analyze those data to help senior leadership with planning and strategic decisions," she says. "It's certainly a lot more rewarding to provide reports that show the great progress we're making."

A native of Ohio, Sapp came to Miami in the early 1980s with her husband, Stephen Sapp, professor of religious studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Sapps, who have two grown sons, Eric and David, spent several years living on campus when Stephen Sapp was the resident master at Eaton Residential College. "We really enjoyed being around students and found it to be a very energizing experience," Mary Sapp says.

Sapp had earned a master's degree and a doctorate in quantitative psychology before joining the University of Miami, initially as an IT consultant and then as associate director of planning and institutional research. While working and raising a family, she completed her master's degree in computer science at UM.

"I believe strongly in the value of education, particularly at the university level," she says. "Education can level the playing field so that minority, immigrant, and low-income students can succeed on their personal merits."

With its cultural diversity, high academic standards, and beautiful campus, Sapp regards UM as a very special place to work. "When you believe in what you are doing, you can get involved with our University in so many ways, including athletics and cultural activities. There are so many opportunities for personal enjoyment and professional development, and becoming a donor at any level is one of the ways to show your support for our U."