Dear UW-Green Bay Faculty and Staff,
As you are probably aware, we planned to do a national search for a Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs this year for the permanent candidate to start on
July 1, 2021. Last Wednesday, I went to the University Committee (UC) to discuss this search and get recommendations for how it could be conducted to receive broad representation from the University community. The UC recommended that I postpone the search and keep Provost Burns in the interim role until we can run a national search next year.
I have decided to accept that recommendation for the following reasons. First, ProvostBurns has done an amazing job since she began in May to navigate our academic programs through what has clearly been one of the most challenging semesters in history of UW-Green Bay. In the midst of a crisis, it makes sense not to change such an important leadership position, and unconventional times require us to adjust our plans. Second, given the course of the pandemic, it makes sense to wait until the fall to get as much participation as possible from the faculty, staff, and students in the search. This timeline will also maximize our chances for a broad pool of applicants.
It is my intention to name a committee late this spring to lead the national search. I will coordinate this with the UC after Spring Break. We will work to get the prep work done for the search over the summer so that the review of applications can begin as soon as possible in the fall. Ideally we will have candidates on campus early in the fall 2021 semester and conclude the search on a similar timeline for what we did this year in the successful search for Dr. Corey King, our wonderful new Vice Chancellor for Inclusivity and Student Affairs.
I am grateful for Kate’s leadership and willingness to continue guiding us through the remainder of this academic year and for the extension into the next academic year.
Best,
Michael Alexander
Chancellor