Campus News
Guido Bordignon appointed vice provost for Global Engagement
An associate teaching professor of molecular, cell, and developmental biology, his scholarship has helped expand undergraduate research experiences that support student engagement and Science Identity.
Dear Campus Community,
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Guido Bordignon as vice provost for Global Engagement, effective July 1, 2026. Guido will be joining both the Chancellor’s Cabinet and Academic Leadership team. In this role, he will help advance the campus Strategic Plan for Internationalization by strengthening partnerships, expanding global learning opportunities for students, and supporting international research collaborations.
Bordignon joined the UC Santa Cruz faculty in 2020 and is associate teaching professor of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. His scholarship focuses on biology education research and evidence-based pedagogy, particularly experiential learning and the development of course-based undergraduate research laboratories. Through this work, he has helped expand undergraduate research experiences that support student engagement, belonging, Science Identity, and retention in STEM fields.
Bordignon currently serves as faculty director for International Exchange. In that role, his achievements have included developing a veterinary medicine pathway program in partnership with the University of Bristol, establishing 2+2 pathway agreements with universities in Indonesia and Mexico, and supporting faculty engagement initiatives in Korea and Japan. As vice provost, Bordignon will continue working to expand international academic pathways that create opportunities for students to study at both their home institution and UC Santa Cruz, and to advance research partnerships that strengthen collaborations between our faculty and international peers around shared research interests.
A recipient of UC Santa Cruz’s Ron Rubin Excellence in Teaching Award, Bordignon is recognized for his commitment to innovative teaching and student mentorship. He also serves as the campus faculty athletics representative, supporting the academic success of student athletes.
Bordignon earned a B.S., M.S., and PharmD from the University of Padua and a Ph.D. from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. His academic and research training included study and research appointments in Spain, Italy, and the United States, including the Universidad de La Laguna, Universitat de Barcelona, UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Oregon Health and Science University.
Please join me in congratulating Guido Bordignon on his appointment as vice provost for Global Engagement.
Sincerely,
Paul
Paul Koch
Interim Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor