(UPDATED 4/15/09 to reflect a correction in E. Jane Martin’s start date as interim provost. She has been serving in that position since July 1, 2008.)
Interim West Virginia University President C. Peter Magrath and President-elect James P. Clements today (April 15) announced a 14-person search committeeto be chaired by Rudolph P. Almasy, interim dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciencesto help select WVU s next provost.
The panel is comprised of six faculty membersfive selected by WVU s Faculty Senate and one appointed by Magrathsix representatives from academics/administration and one each from Staff Council and the Student Government Administration.
We are looking for a dynamic and seasoned leader who understands the complexities of a major land-grant research university with 15 schools and colleges, regional and satellite campuses and an enrollment of over 28,000 studentsand is excited about the opportunities and the challenges such a position presents,Magrath said.
As WVU s chief academic officer,he added,and second-in-command, the provost is a critically important position. As WVU pursues ambitious goals in a variety of areas, from strengthening our research activity to enhancing our technological capacity, the provost will play a central role in all of these efforts.
Clements added,The breadth and depth of this committee are very impressive. As a group and as individuals, they represent the complexity, diversity and excellence of WVU . These are traits and values that need to be communicated clearly to all candidates for the provost job so they understand who we are and what we believe as a university. We thank them for their willingness to undertake this vital responsibility.
In addition to Almasy, members of the committee are: Nigel Clark, professor and director of Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Berry Chair, College of Engineering and Mineral Resources; Bojan Cukic, professor/Byrd Professor, co-director of the Center for Identification Technology Research, Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering; Alan Ducatman, chair, Department of Community Medicine; Mike Ellington, assistant vice president, Student Affairs; Barbara Foster, senior program administrator/safety director, Department of Chemistry; Donald Hall, Jackson Family Distinguished Chair, Department of English; Kyle Hartman, associate professor of wildlife, Division of Forestry; Georgia Narsavage, dean, School of Nursing; Whitney Peters, Student Government Association; Curt Peterson, vice president, Research and Economic Development; Leslie Tower, associate professor, Division of Social Work and Division of Public Administration; Narvel Weese, vice president, Administration and Finance; and C.B. Wilson, associate provost for academic personnel.
Special Assistant to the Provost Jessika Thomas will provide staff support.
The committee is expected to meet by early May. Its charge will be to advertise nationally and internationally for the position, screen applicants, interview potential finalists and develop a list of finalists on or before Sept. 1.
Clements, the outgoing provost at Towson University who takes over as WVU president June 30, will make the final selection.
E. Jane Martin has been serving as interim provost since July 1, 2008.
WVU is very fortunate to have the excellent services of Dr. E. Jane Martin as interim provost until the position is filled,Magrath noted.Jane has done an outstanding job under difficult circumstances this past year, and we owe her a debt of gratitude for her courage, conviction and compassion as an academic leader.
Information on the search will be posted online at http://provostsearch.wvu.edu/ .