What is it about this job that interests you?

The position of Provost is a challenging and complex role that involves coordinating, supporting, advancing, and leading the many disparate disciplines and functions that serve the academic mission of the university. The position is clearly extremely challenging and, at times, daunting. It is one that not only involves supporting excellence in teaching, in scholarship and creative activities, and in service and outreach, but also requires that the Provost demonstrate those very attributes as well in way in which information, policies, and initiatives are effectively and compelling disseminated to the academic community and beyond.

In my view, it is important that the Provost views the activities of the various academic and support units of the university in an interwoven and balanced framework that fosters intercollegial cooperation, collaboration, and community. The role of the Provost is all the more attractive because it provides a unique opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the continuation and enhancement of an environment where there is a greater cohesion of purpose and value. Within such an environment creatively on the part of faculty and staff can flourish, student learning can be enhanced, and opportunities to promote innovation and foster entrepreneurial activities and outreach will be realized. It is this kind of environment that will help the institution secure scare funding from a larger array of sources. To be fortunate enough to play a leadership and collaborative role in working with a wide array of constituencies to achieve these ends makes the position of Provost very attractive.

What opportunities do you currently see at Ohio University?

There are some very exciting opportunities at Ohio University. Certainly, the goals outlined in the Presidential Mission Statement provide a way to galvanize the campus. In realizing these goals there may well be opportunities for Ohio University to assume a leadership position in addressing major educational issues at the national level. For example, increasing diversity with all of the attendant benefits for students, the State, and the Nation that come from a sensitivity to difference is an opportunity that can inform curricular developments, attract under-representative groups to careers and professions where their life experiences can be a source of enrichment and value.

Current developments in general education and those that are aimed at enhancing the undergraduate experience provide countless opportunities for collaboration and cooperation within and between colleges. The use of technology provides ways to enhance the delivery of the curriculum, enhance access to the resources of the university, and enrich scholarship and creative activities. The scholarly and creative activities of the faculty and the synergies of the various centers provide opportunities for collaboration on issues that do not respect disciplinary boundaries.

Quite frankly, in reviewing the information sent to me on Ohio University, one gets the sense that there is an incredible potential to realize many other opportunities because O.U. has a dynamic engaged faculty and staff, an open decision making and budget process, committed students, an enthusiastic and supportive Board, and a desire to excel.

What about the institution prompted you to become a candidate for this position?

I have very strong and positive feelings for Ohio University, and a great deal of respect for the accomplishments of the current board, president, administration, alumni, faculty, staff, and students. It takes a team effort to create and sustain a strong, nationally recognized institution, with enormous vitality that is respected for the excellence of its academic programs. Clearly, from working in the state, I have a deep appreciation of the positive relationship built by the faculty, staff, and administration and their dedication to the highest standard of excellence in teaching, service, and research.

The institution is demonstrably engaged in the region and beyond through applied research and instruction. As a member of the Pew Roundtable, it has played a role on major issues regarding the role, recognition, and support of teaching at a major research university. It is uniquely positioned for a future of great accomplishment and distinction. It is also an institution that has the resiliency to effectively respond to challenges facing the state and the nation. I am honored to be a candidate for the position of Provost at this time in the University's history.