Dr. Ray Alden, dean of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's College of Science, has been named interim provost following Dr. Douglas Ferraro's announcement today that he will step down as provost on Aug. 15. Alden's appointment will be effective Aug. 16.
"Dr. Alden is an outstanding dean," Harter said. "He is greatly respected by the faculty, the President's Cabinet, and his fellow deans, and I know he will continue to advance 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's academic mission during this transition period."
Alden came to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ in 1997 from Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, Va., where he was director of the Applied Marine Research Laboratory. He also was a professor of biological sciences at Old Dominion.
"I am sure that the university community shares my appreciation for the significant contributions of Provost Douglas Ferraro to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's great progress over recent years," Alden said. "My focus for the coming year will be to work with President Harter, the cabinet, the academic council, and the university faculty and staff to keep the momentum going as we address the challenges of being student-focused during a period of accelerated growth while, at the same time, sustaining our progress toward becoming a major research university.
"51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is one of the most rapidly growing and developing universities in the country. I hope that all constituents of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ community feel the excitement of shared participation in the advancement of our academic, research, and service programs. I look forward to this unique opportunity."
A national search will be conducted for a permanent provost.
