March 2, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University has concluded its search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs with the selection of Dr. Fredrick J. Dobney, currently executive vice president and provost at Michigan Technological University.
Dobney's appointment, which is subject to approval by the WMU Board of Trustees at its April meeting, will become effective July 1, 2000.
"Dr. Dobney brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as provost and chief operating officer at Michigan Tech," said WMU President Elson S. Floyd. "We will put his talents and experience to good use as we enter a very exciting new phase of our University's history."
Dobney has served in his current position at MTU since 1993. From 1987 to 1993, he was vice provost for extended university services at Washington State University.
Dobney also served at Loyola University from 1981 to 1986 as dean of the City College, dean of continuing education and director of special programs. He began his career at Saint Louis University where he held a variety of faculty and administrative posts.
"I am delighted to be joining President Floyd's team," said Dobney. "The University is poised to do great things and I am anxious to make a contribution to its continued success."
Outgoing Provost Timothy Light, who was appointed in 1996, will return to the faculty at the end of the current academic year.
"I cannot adequately express my appreciation to Tim Light for all that he has done for this University," said Floyd.
Dobney, a Texas native, earned a bachelor's degree in history from Baylor University and a doctoral degree, also in history, from Rice University. His areas of expertise are recent American history and American technology.
Dobney currently serves as a member of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges Commission on Human Resources and Social Change. He has also served as a consultant to the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities and has received more than $700,000 in grant support for work in the area of humanities curriculum development.
Dobney has served on the Michigan Information Technology Network Board of Directors and the Telecommunications Advisory Committee for the state of Washington. He is chairperson of the State Academic Officers Committee on the Michigan Automotive Institute. In addition, he is on the board of directors of North Coast BIDCO, an economic development initiative in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and a member of the board of directors for the Upper Peninsula Workforce Development Consortium.
Media contact: Matt Kurz, 616 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu
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