January 26, 2017 - Office of the Provost Transitions

To: Campus Community

From: President Gayle E. Hutchinson

As many of you know, Debra Larson will assume the role of provost and vice president for academic affairs on March 1, 2017. I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to Interim Provost Mike Ward for his wise and steady guidance of the Division of Academic Affairs over the past 10 months. He will be stepping back from his role in the coming weeks, but will serve as a consultant to support Provost Larson in March.

Interim Provost Ward has provided critical support during the presidential transition and helped promote trust and stability on campus. I appreciate the invaluable insight and expertise he will share with Provost Larson as she becomes oriented to our University policies, practices, and important issues.

I'm pleased to announce that until Provost Larson joins us, Dean Angela Trethewey has agreed to assume Office of the Provost duties to support Academic Affairs operations during the month of February. At the same time, Associate Dean Deborah Summers has agreed to serve as acting dean for the College of Communication and Education. I extend special thanks to both Dean Trethewey and Associate Dean Summers for their leadership to ensure a seamless transition.