Appointment of Interim Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs

Dr. Fourkas brings extensive experience in faculty affairs and academic leadership to this position. He currently serves as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Graduate Education in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, where he oversees appointment, promotion, and tenure processes for 300 tenured and tenure-track faculty, promotion reviews for more than 750 professional-track faculty, and coordination of 24 graduate programs serving over 1,700 students annually. He also holds the Millard Alexander Professorship in Chemistry and has been a member of our faculty since 2005. His prior service includes membership on the campus Appointment, Promotion and Tenure Committee (2017–20) and leadership of graduate programs in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Dr. Fourkas will continue in his role within CMNS while prioritizing his responsibilities as Interim Associate Provost this summer, as we hope to have a permanent appointment by fall.  I am confident that his deep knowledge of faculty affairs, commitment to excellence, and collaborative approach will serve our community well during this transition.

This vacancy follows the appointment of Dr. John Bertot as Dean of the College of Information. I want to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Bertot for his decade of exceptional leadership in the Office of Faculty Affairs, during which he significantly expanded its offerings and impact across our campus.

The search for a permanent Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs was announced on June 18, 2026, with a best consideration date of July 6, 2026. I encourage you to share the opportunity with qualified candidates and to submit nominations.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Fourkas to this important role and thanking him for his willingness to serve.

Sincerely,