Indiana University Bloomington’s Undergraduate Education Division is proud to announce two significant appointments to further strengthen its commitment to academic excellence and student success. Professor César Félix-Brasdefer has been appointed as the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Programs & Support in Undergraduate Education, while Dr. Rebecca Itow has assumed the role of Assistant Vice Provost for School Partnerships and Precollege Programs in Undergraduate Education.
Professor César Félix-Brasdefer, currently the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Spanish & Portuguese, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position. He holds a Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics from the University of Minnesota. His extensive academic achievements include numerous publications, hybrid pedagogy, and presentations in Linguistics and Spanish, with a particular focus on Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis in intercultural communication and multilingual contexts. His research interests encompass research methods, inferential processes and implicit meaning, intercultural competence, and topics in undergraduate higher education.
Professor Félix-Brasdefer’s expertise extends to his leadership roles, having previously directed the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. He is currently the Academic Director of the IU Mexico Gateway, collaborating with IU Global to enhance student mobility, strengthen institutional partnerships, and create opportunities for faculty and students with institutions of higher education in Latin America.
“I am committed to excellence in undergraduate education and ensuring that every student at Indiana University has the necessary resources and support to achieve equitable academic success. If the campus goal is to guarantee that our students are ready for successful careers after graduation, we need to work together with faculty, deans, administrators, academic advisors, and career coaches to promote success in the classroom and lifelong learning,” said Professor César Félix-Brasdefer. “I look forward to working with campus partners to enhance the undergraduate student experience, to increase student retention, and to recognize excellence in research and creative activity.”
Joining Professor Felix-Brasdefer in assuming a key leadership role is Dr. Rebecca C. Itow, who has served as the Principal of IU High School Online for the past five years. In her new position as Assistant Vice Provost for School Partnerships and Precollege Programs in Undergraduate Education, Dr. Itow will focus on developing and enhancing programs that prepare students for success at the collegiate level.
Dr. Rebecca Itow brings extensive educational experience to her new role. She holds a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences from Indiana University, where her research focused on teacher professional development, assessment practices, and the reciprocal relationship between educational practice and research. In addition to her doctoral degree, Dr. Itow holds an MAEd in Secondary Education and a BA in Theatre Directing from Pepperdine University, as well as two AAs in Dance and Liberal Arts from Moorpark College. She also possesses a secondary teaching credential in English with a specialization in dance and a Principal’s license, rounding out her diverse educational background.
Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Itow is a multifaceted artist, engaging in fiber arts, glass blowing, origami, theatre, dance, and aerial circus arts. Her passion for creativity and education reflects Indiana University’s commitment to a holistic approach to learning and development.
“For more than a century, Indiana University has built strong relationships with P-12 schools, using its resources to infuse communities with robust educational opportunities for children and adults alike. I am honored to carry on this work,” Dr. Rebecca Itow shared. “As we nurture strong school partnerships and ensure accessibility to high-quality precollege programs, we can – as a community – simultaneously prepare students for the transition to college and prepare the university to welcome them as these students continue along their academic journeys.”
Both appointments signify the IU Bloomington Undergraduate Education Division’s dedication to providing a comprehensive and supportive educational experience for students at all levels. The combined expertise and leadership of Professor Félix-Brasdefer and Dr. Itow will play a crucial role in shaping the future of undergraduate and precollege education at Indiana University Bloomington.
