Update regarding the search for the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs

Dear Colleagues,

As you are aware, the university recently conducted a comprehensive search for a permanent Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs. The search yielded a strong pool of accomplished leaders and excellent candidates, and I am grateful to all who expressed interest in the role. As we engaged with candidates and reflected on the current landscape, it became clear that deep institutional knowledge of Faculty Affairs is essential to effectively guide campus decision-making and support the faculty experience. After careful consideration, I have determined that the search did not identify a candidate for permanent appointment at this time. I sincerely appreciate everyone who participated in the process and recognize the considerable time, effort and care that the search required.  

I am pleased to announce that Dr. John Fourkas has agreed to continue his service as Interim Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs as we work to support faculty and advance the university’s academic mission. This gives me the opportunity to consider the next steps with a permanent appointment.

A member of our faculty since 2005, Dr. Fourkas brings extensive expertise in faculty affairs and academic leadership. As Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Graduate Education in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, he has extensive experience overseeing appointment, promotion, and tenure processes for tenured and tenure-track faculty, promotion reviews for professional-track faculty, and coordination of all graduate programs in CMNS. He also holds the Millard Alexander Professorship in Chemistry and previously served on the campus Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure Committee, co-chairing one of the sub-committees for two years.

Dr. Fourkas has led the Office of Faculty Affairs with distinction over the past three months. He has my complete trust and confidence, and he will continue to have full authority over all activities of the office and its reach across campus. His leadership, collaborative approach, and deep understanding of the issues impacting faculty affairs have been invaluable, and I am grateful for his willingness to continue in this critical role.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Dean Bill Cohen and the search committee, for their time, expertise, and commitment to this important work.

Please join me in thanking Dr. Fourkas for his continued service to the university.

Sincerely,