Academic Affairs Office
By Baylul Alem, Jacinda Sicari and Dakota Smith, The Whetstone
Junior Shaquell Richards doesn’t know what a provost is.
“The term provost seems important,†he said.
Wesley College is currently searching for a new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost.
After former VPAA Patricia Dwyer left her position last summer, the college began its search in the fall. Dr. Jeffrey Gibson, is interim VPAA.
A provost is the senior administrative officer at a college. The provost usually acts as second-in-command to the college President.
The College also created a search committee, led by its chairman, Professor Paul Olsen.
“The college hired R.H. Perry & Associates in order to get our ad placement out there.†Olsen said.
The ad was placed on R.H. Perry’s site and offered information about the position, opportunities, and the qualifications an applicant needs. Some of the qualifications include: a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of higher education, a strong commitment to shared governance, and unquestionable integrity, transparency in approach, and a sense of humor.
The deadline to apply for the position was Jan. 29. At that time, Wesley had received 89 applications, Olsen said.
“R.H. Perry provided the members of the search committee with letters of interest and resumes,†he said.
Search Committee members, including elected faculty James Wilson, Victor Greto, Elizabeth Marchioni, and vice president of institutional advancement Chris Wood and Board of Trustee Stephanie Smith-Cristiano, narrowed it down to 20 candidates. R.H. Perry conducted due diligence on each of those candidates and, with the committee, settled on eight semi-finalists.
The committee interviewed the eight via Skype in early March, and picked three applicants as the remaining finalists: Previous VPAA of Sweet Briar College Dr. Amy Jessen-Marshall, Wesley’s current interim VPAA Dr. Jeffrey Gibson and current Dean of Arts and Letters at Indiana University Southeast Dr. Samantha Earley. Each of them spoke with students and faculty March 29, 30 and 31. Faculty and students were given evaluation sheets after the meeting that will be considered when selecting the winner. The final decision will be President Clark’s.
“It’s not what I am looking for,†said President Robert E. Clark II. “It is what is needed for the college and the students, which is why we have a search team.â€
The provost will work close with students and faculty. It is also up to the VPAA to approve any guest speakers for student organizations and trips using the campus’ name or promoted by the campus.
Like Richards, most other students did not know what the position of provost was.
“For as long as I have attended Wesley, I have never heard of the term provost,†senior Anastasia Hannah said.
While many students may not know what a provost is, they still have opinions of what they would like from a person in charge.
“I want someone who is tolerant, a people person, someone students can go to if they have a problem,†freshman Alexis Royal said.
“I would like someone who is open-minded and considerate of others,†said Kayla Johnson, a freshman at Wesley.
The provost is one of the most important positions at a college or university. He or she is often the right hand of the president, but they do a lot to help the students, faculty and campus life.
“The Vice President of Academic Affairs is the second highest office in the college next to the president,†said Frances Riddle, special projects coordinator. “He or she supervises the faculty and makes sure that the programs of the colleges are functioning as they should. He also supervises the library, the office of academic support services of disabilities, and the registrar office.â€
According to Northern Michigan University, the provost works closely with all department heads and is in charge of both creating and implementing academic priorities.
At schools such as Widener University in Chester, Pa. the provost fills in for the president when the school searches for a new one or when the president is away.
Students said they want a provost who is going to look out for the student body and listen to their concerns.
“I think it’s important to someone who is tolerant and good tempered,†said freshman Alexis Royal. “Also, that they are willing to work with students.â€
Some faculty said they want to see someone who is going to stand up for them.
“I hope they are willing to stand up for faculty and help us move forward in terms of education,†said Stephanie Stotts, a professor of environmental studies.
