The University’s upcoming presidential transition provides a unique opportunity for the Office of the Provost to evaluate current and future needs for graduate academic affairs as Richard Thomas retires at the end of June.
“Each time we have the opportunity, we should take a moment to assess how we are doing things and consider different approaches,” Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider said. “We plan to pause our search for another associate provost for graduate academic affairs to engage campus community members and gather their input as we seek out innovative approaches to serving our graduate student population and graduate faculty now and for many years to come.”
During this pause in the search process, the Provost Office will organize a series of conversations with faculty, students and leaders across campus — including the Research Office, Graduate Education and Life, Graduate Council, graduate associate deans, current search committee members and position applicants to consider best practices and ways to manage functions of the unit.
This will also allow time for incoming president Michael Benson to engage and help shape the future of graduate education at WVU.
“Graduate education and its integration with our institution’s research mission remain a priority at WVU,” Kreider said. “We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues across the University to generate new ideas and approaches to fulfilling the needs of this vital segment of our campus community.”
In the interim, the Office of Graduate Education and Life will report to the Associate Provost for Academic Personnel Tracy Morris, effective July 1.
Details about engagement opportunities will be shared via MOUNTAINEER E-News and email.
Inquiries can be sent to provost@mail.wvu.edu.