As we move into the launch of the 2012-13 academic year, I want to update you on developments related to one of the top priorities of the university. Last week, we began the process of assembling a search committee to formally commence the search for a Provost. The UWF community is seeking an academic leader that is passionate about the opportunity to join an institution that is in motion and on the rise.

I truly appreciate Dr. David Marker’s service as Interim Provost. He has provided invaluable leadership during this past semester and he will continue to serve as Interim Provost while we conduct a national search.

We will initiate the search this week. We will advertise nationally, and conduct the search without the assistance and expense of a national search firm. We hope our national outreach will give us a strong candidate pool at the lowest cost to UWF. If this approach is successful a new Provost will begin in January 2013. If this pool is not strong enough we will, perhaps, engage a national search firm and extend the process to have a candidate in place by August 2013.

I have asked Dr. Kyle Marrero and Dr. Brendan Kelly to co-chair the Provost search committee which includes wide representation from the campus community. If you have questions about procedures and processes please contact Kyle or Brendan directly. I, along with the Provost Search Committee, will keep you up-to-date as the search process moves forward, and up-to-date details can be found athttp://uwf.edu/provostsearch/.

I think it is important that we make the selection of a new Provost a top priority for the 2012-13 academic year. I look forward to working with you for a great academic year ahead.

Sincerely,

Judy Bense

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