Provost search begins

The university this week began its search for a new provost.

The provost search and screen committee met for the first time Jan. 23 and received its charge from Chancellor John Wiley. The 13-member committee will coordinate the national search to fill the No. 2 position at the university. Wiley was provost before taking over as chancellor Jan. 1.

After receiving applications and nominations and reviewing candidate materials, the search committee will conduct interviews with a select group of individuals before narrowing the field to three to five unranked finalists.

The list of finalists will be forwarded for consideration to Wiley, who is expected to appoint a new provost by July 1. Gary Sandefur, professor of sociology and American Indian studies, is serving as interim provost until a permanent provost is hired.

Richard Moss, professor of physiology and chair of the Medical School’s Department of Physiology, will chair the provost search and screen committee. Other members include:

• Faculty: Tino Balio, executive director of the university’s Arts Institute and professor of film; Mary Behan, professor of veterinary medicine; Alta Charo, professor of law and member of the University Committee; Christopher Kleinhenz, professor of French and Italian; Seth Pollak, assistant professor of psychology; Eric Wilcots, assistant professor of astronomy.
• Academic Staff: Sharon Nellis, assistant dean in the School of Nursing; Barry Robinson, business and public relations manager of the University Theatre and vice chair of the Academic Staff Executive Committee.
• Students: Associated Students of Madison has been asked to name two students to the committee.

Phillip R. Certain, dean of the College of Letters and Science, is the administrative appointment to the committee. Diane Randall, program assistant in the College of Engineering, is the non-represented classified staff appointment.

The provost is the chief operating officer of the university and deputy to the chancellor in overall academic and administrative management of the university. In the chancellor’s absence, the provost serves as acting chancellor. The provost works closely with deans and with faculty, academic staff and students in the shared governance of the institution.

Among the many responsibilities of the position are oversight of academic program planning involving 12 schools and colleges, faculty and staff development, personnel oversight, budget planning and management, diversity initiatives, the general library system, outreach and extension programming, information technology, facilities planning and management, and student academic services.