Dear Colleagues,

Since last week’s announcement that Provost Adesida was stepping out of his position, I have been working hard on selecting an interim. To help me with this crucial decision, I have been consulting extensively with deans, faculty, staff, administrators and students across the campus. I’ve asked them to offer their suggestions both on possible candidates as well as their perspectives on the key issues they believe our provost will need to address effectively this year.

So far I’ve consulted with more than 60 individuals who have offered ideas and guidance. Dealing with our budget, continuing to move forward on the new College of Medicine, finding ways to heal the divisions of the past year and ensuring continued progress in several upcoming dean searches are the key issues that are consistently emerging in these conversations.

I am benefitting greatly from these discussions and I hope to name an interim provost in the next few days. I hope you agree that it is critical to take the necessary time to ensure that we get the best person in this role to help the campus move forward.

Best,

Barbara J. Wilson
Acting Chancellor