Provost search begins; slot hoped to be filled by July 1

A 19-member search committee has been formed to help identify and evaluate candidates for provost and vice president for academic affairs.

The committee's membership was announced Feb. 3 by President Malcolm Portera, who said he hopes to see the position filled by July 1.

Committee chair Leslie Bauman, professor of physics and chemistry and chair of the Holland Faculty Senate, said she expects interviews with finalists to be completed before final exams begin in early May.

"I hope the committee will work creatively and aggressively to present the president with the best possible slate of candidates," Bauman said.

Committee members elected by the faculty and professional staff in academic units are Dr. Jac Varco, agronomist in plant and soil sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Bob Craycroft professor of architecture, School of Architecture; Dr. Christopher Duncan, associate professor of political science, College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. George Verrall, head of finance and economics, College of Business and Industry; Dr. Anita George, professor and director of The Learning Center, College of Education; Dr. Brad Carter, professor of computer science, College of Engineering; Dr. Keith Belli, associate professor of forestry, College of Forest Resources; June Chressanthis, associate professor and coordinator of cataloging, Libraries; Susan Jones, financial and administrative officer, Meridian Campus; and Dr. Roger Easley, professor and director of the diagnostic field service program, College of Veterinary Medicine.

Committee members appointed by Portera, in addition to Bauman, are Dr. Linda Cornelious, professor of technology and education; Dr. Rodney Foil, vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine; Dr. Nancy Hargrove, Giles Distinguished Professor of English; Burton B. Hosch Jr., president of Deposit Guaranty National Bank in Tupelo and a former president of the alumni association; John McRae, dean of architecture; Dr. Walter Taylor, head of agricultural education and experimental statistics; Dr. Gene Tice, associate vice president for student affairs; and Kerry Young, a senior English education major.

"It is critical to the future of Mississippi State that we secure high quality leadership in this important position in academic affairs," Portera said recently.

"We are going to be very diligent in working with the faculty and the academic leadership of the university to ensure that we identify the best possible candidates and that we select an academic administrator of the highest caliber."

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Derek Hodgson announced in December that he would give up the post by June 30.