March tentative date for provost visits

By: Jamie Vinson/Editor

Posted: 1/23/03

The search for Eastern’s second in command, which University President Joanne Glasser said is “arguably the most important search of her service as president of EKU,” is well underway. In fact, Glasser expects campus visits in March from the four or five finalists in contention for the provost and vice president for academic affairs position.

“We will certainly be bringing finalists to the campus and the target for that is late March,” Glasser said via e-mail Tuesday afternoon. “While details remain to be worked out, it will not be unlike the process when the Student Affairs VP finalists visited the campus. There will certainly be much opportunity for student and faculty contact with the finalists.”

The search committee appointed to assist Glasser plans to formally begin reviewing applications, which already have begun to come in, Feb. 3. Following review, the committee will forward its final four or five recommendations to Glasser, who will make her appointment after the candidates visit campus.

Glasser hopes to have the new provost in place by July 1.

Position criteria
According to the ad for the position — posted on Eastern’s Web site Dec. 16 — the provost position requires a doctorate degree, as well as “a record of outstanding scholarship suitable for appointment as a full professor; significant experience in academic administration and experience in fiscal management and resource allocation.”

The committee also will be looking for applicants to meet a variety of other criteria, like being “committed to developing programs to enhance student recruitment, retention and success” and willing to work to “support faculty and staff involvement in generating external funds.”
Gary Cordner, dean of the College of Justice and Safety and co-chair of the search committee, said Monday he’d personally be looking for three things.

“… Candidates who have experience in academic affairs, who appreciate both the liberal arts and professional programs and who can keep up with President Glasser,” Cordner commented.

The committee also is welcoming nominations of “outstanding academic leaders” both on and off campus.

“I believe we have received some nominations so far, but it would not be appropriate to comment on any specifics at this stage in the process,” Cordner said.

Forums

The search committee began hosting open forums this week, the first of which was held Tuesday, to inform the campus community about the search process and gain feedback about what characteristics people are seeking in a provost.

“During the forums we will give the attendees a list of qualifications/attributes … and will ask them to choose their top two,” said Jaleh Rezaie, chair and associate professor of the computer science department and co-chair of the search committee. “We are also asking them to include up to two qualifications not listed.”

According to Rezaie, the committee will use the responses to develop a check list of qualifications to match against applicants vita’s, as well as to compile reference/candidate phone interview questions.

A forum will be held 3:30-4:30 p.m. today in Posey Auditorium and another 3:35-4:30 p.m. Monday in Rowlett 301. Additional information is available at www.eku.edu/newsevents/provost.php.

Until the position is filled

Mark Wasicsko, who previously served as dean of the College of Education, is serving as interim provost until June 30. Wasicsko said Tuesday he has not yet decided whether he will apply for the permanent position, but likely will make that determination by the end of the week.
The provost position has been vacant nearly eight months. Michael Marsden resigned the position in late May.