Dr. Kent Buchanan was named the new university provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Buchanan was chosen as one of three finalists for the position and participated in a series of group interviews across campus last week.
The university search firm Hyatt-Fennell reviewed 70 applications and passed along 21 for a review from the search committee, led by Melanie Shelley, associate dean and professor of arts management.
The search committee began looking for a provost after former provost Dr. Susan Barber retired in June 2015.
Buchanan has served as the assistant provost since 2012 until becoming the interim provost in July 2015. Before coming to OCU in 2006, he was a professor at Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.
The committee determined Buchanan was the top candidate for the position based on the survey data collected from students, faculty and staff.
“Buchanan has broad-based experience that will serve the university well in his position as provost, and I am pleased to welcome into his permanent role,” President Robert Henry wrote in an email to the campus.
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.
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