WMU News

Pritchard to head search for new provost

Sept. 16, 1999

KALAMAZOO -- WMU President Elson S. Floyd has named Michael S. Pritchard, senior associate dean of the Graduate College, to head the search for the University's next provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Provost Timothy Light announced in May that he would step down from the post June 30, 2000. He will return to the faculty to teach and do research after a one-year leave of absence. He has been provost since 1996.

Pritchard chairs an advisory committee that has retained the services of Heidrick & Struggles Inc. of Washington, D.C., to assist in the search. Jan Greenwood, a partner in the firm, is conducting input sessions with constituency representatives today in 2020 Fetzer Center.

Public sessions

Open sessions today include those for the University community at large at 11:30 a.m., for graduate students at 1:30 p.m.; for undergraduate students at 2 p.m. and for faculty members at 2:30 p.m. Persons also may communicate with the consultant at <jdg@h-s.com>.

Pritchard says he expects that candidates for the position will visit the campus in January or February, when public sessions will be scheduled. An offer could be made in March or April and the successful candidate could start July 1.

Committee members include: Ariel Anderson, teaching, learning and leadership, president of the WMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors; Raja G. Aravamuthan, paper and printing science and engineering; Linda M. Delene, marketing, representing the Faculty Senate; Clifton E. Ealy, mathematics and statistics; Robert B. Engblom, president of the Western Student Association; Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis, English; Michele C. McLaughlin, president of the Administrative Professional Association; and Dean Janet I. Pisaneschi, health and human services.

Dean searches under way

Provost Light has established committees to conduct searches for deans in three academic units:

Division of Continuing Education-Dean James Schmotter, Haworth College of Business, is chairing this search. Dean Frank Rapley, College of Education, also has been serving as acting dean of continuing education since the resignation of James A. Visser last year.

College of Education-Dean Lance Query, University Libraries, is heading this search. Rapley has announced his intention to leave the dean's post next June to return to the faculty. He has served as dean since 1996.

College of Fine Arts-Dean Joseph Reish, Lee Honors College, is in charge of this search. Dean Robert Luscombe retired June 30 after 26 years of service to the University, 20 of them as dean. Janet E. Stillwell is serving as interim dean.

Media contact: Mike Matthews, 616 387-8400, michael.matthews@wmich.edu


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