University officials plan to fill the position of provost before the next academic year begins.
Dr. Susan Barber, former provost, retired June 30.
The search committee began looking for a new provost and vice president of academic affairs in December. The goal is to name someone by April or May.
The search committee consists of representatives from each school.
The university also hired a Pittsburgh executive search firm, Hyatt-Fennell, to help in the process.
“Initially there are thousands of candidates,” said Dr. Amy Cataldi, interim dean of Petree College of Arts and Sciences.
“Hopefully, before on-campus interviews, we will have narrowed it down to two to three candidates that we’d like to spend a little more time with and get to know.”
Hyatt-Fennell works closely with clients to enhance the process and assure a successful search, according to their website, hyattfennell.com.
The search for this position is a long process, Cataldi said.
The firm will filter through the initial applications and pick out the most appropriate candidates. The university will conduct initial interviews through Skype video calls. The final candidates will have interviews on campus.
Cataldi said:
This is such an important position. They are going to comb through every application to make sure we hire someone who will be good for the university.
The duties of a provost vary at every university. At OCU, the provost serves as the chief academic officer, overseeing all schools and colleges, academic programs, student recruitment and retention, and faculty development.
“I think this role is really important for the university,” said Sarah Cason, psychology junior. “So I think it’s okay for them to spend the extra money on a firm to help them hire.”
The committee is looking for an individual with a Ph.D. in a degree offered on campus, significant experience in university leadership, and competence in implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Officials also want the individual to be dynamic and energetic with a vision and sense of self, Cataldi said.
Dr. Kent Buchanan served as the assistant provost since 2012 until becoming the interim provost on July 1.
Buchanan is a professor of biology and previously served as chairman of the biology department. Before coming to OCU in 2006, he was a professor at Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.
He also led the preparation for the Higer Learning Commission Assurance Review report that was due in November. The report reaffirmed the university’s accreditation, according to an email sent out to the campus community last May.
Buchanan said he plans to apply for the position.
The new provost is scheduled to begin July 1.
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