Dear UCR Community,

 

I am grateful to all of you who participated during this academic year in our search for UCR’s next permanent provost and executive vice chancellor. There are few more important appointments a chancellor makes, so I have invested many weeks since interviewing finalists in thoughtful reflection and consultation with the search committee, faculty, staff, and other campus leaders.

 

I have concluded that UCR is best served by continuing our search for a permanent provost. This is not a decision I arrived at lightly. I am committed to making sure the fit is right on both sides so that our newest senior leader is optimally positioned for success.

 

During uncertain times we are simultaneously defining our aspirations for the next decade and navigating the most daunting challenge society has faced in modern history. It will take the right mix of leadership, experience, skills, and temperament for our next permanent provost to lead us through the transformational efforts that will have a lasting impact on our future.

 

I am very pleased to share that Tom Smith has graciously agreed to continue his service as interim provost, pending approval from President Janet Napolitano. I greatly value and appreciate his steadfast stewardship of the campus. Likewise, we will extend Louie Rodriguez’s appointment as interim dean of the Graduate School of Education.

 

Thank you to the Search Advisory Committee – chaired by Monica Carson, Professor and Chair, Division of Biomedical Sciences – for its diligent efforts in identifying potential candidates and engaging with campus colleagues.

 

We will resume recruiting candidates in the coming months with a goal of bringing additional candidates back for on-campus visits. Until then, please join me in thanking Tom and Louie for their ongoing willingness to assume increased responsibility at a time of great need.