Provost Search Update (April 1, 2019)

Dear Colleagues, 

I am writing to provide you with an update regarding the search for our provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. 

In February, I announced that Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Catherine (Kate) Davy — whose appointment was scheduled to end on June 30, 2019 — had agreed to stay on until December 31, 2019. 

During the month of April, we will launch a national search for our next provost and have engaged Spencer Stuart, a highly respected search firm with significant expertise and experience in the field of academia, to assist in identifying and recruiting the very best candidates to consider for this critical role.

I have asked Gabriella Scarlatta, professor of French and associate dean in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters to join me as co-chair of this search.

I also asked the Faculty and Staff Senates for recommendations of candidates to serve on the search advisory committee. The following have agreed to serve on the committee:

• Rima Berry-Hung, director, Human Resources
• Stein Brunvand, professor of educational technology and associate dean, CEHHS 
• Pam Heatlie, director, Office for Institutional Equity
• Ghassan Kridli, professor of mechanical engineering and associate dean, CECS
• Gail Luera, professor of science education, CEHHS
• Carmel Price, assistant professor of sociology, CASL
• Sean Smith, student, CECS
• Crystal Scott, associate professor of marketing, assistant dean, COB
• Jonathan Smith, William E. Stirton professor of english and chair, Department of Behavioral Sciences, CASL
• Timothy Taylor, registrar, Enrollment Management
• Claudia Walters, collegiate lecturer, assistant research scientist, and lecturer IV in geography, CASL

Keisha Blevins, chief of staff, will serve as adviser and staff to the Committee. 

Spencer Stuart will be on campus the week of April 15 to meet with key constituencies and identify campus needs prior to starting the search process. 

We will provide regular updates to the campus community throughout the process.

I am confident we will attract a robust pool of well-qualified candidates for this important position and I look forward to embarking on the journey to identify our next provost.

Best wishes and GO BLUE!

Sincerely,

Domenico Grasso

Chancellor