The search for Woosterís first Provost is winding down as the search committee brings its three final candidates onto campus for two-day visits.† The visits come after an extensive interview process conducted in Cleveland mid-December.
During his or her visit, each finalist meets with multiple factions on the Collegeís campus.† Each visit culminates with a campus-wide presentation addressing the candidateís strengths for the position.† Attendees to the presentation have the opportunity to pose questions to the candidate as well as evaluate the candidateís strengths and weaknesses through a confidential feedback form.
Woosterís first Provost finalist, Pareena Lawrence, visited campus Jan 14 and 15.† Lawrence currently serves as the Chair of the Division of Social Sciences and Professor of Economics and Management at the University of Minnesota, Morris.
Lawrence commented on her initial attraction to The College of Wooster, including her admiration of the Collegeís mission statement and its commitment to undergraduate research.† Lawrence stated, ìWooster is moving and growing in the right direction,” and she welcomed the opportunity to contribute to its growth by helping to ìdefine and develop” the position of Provost.† Lawrence also alluded to her administrative experience at the University of Minnesota, Morris, as well as her commitment to the value of a liberal arts education.
Lawrence did not commit to specific initiatives she would undertake as Provost, but rather emphasized her commitment to faculty collaboration, leadership and ìteam building.”† Lawrence said, ìIt is important to learn the culture of the institution” in order to make positive contributions.† She also discussed her own leadership roles and improvements made in her current position.† At the conclusion of her presentation, Lawrence fielded questions concerning a variety of topics, including global engagement and study abroad, the role of First Year Seminar and research, the continuing role of retired faculty at the College and diversity.
The second finalist, Carolyn Newton, visited the College Jan. 17 and 18.† Newtonís current position is the Academic Vice President, Provost and Professor of Biology at Berea College in Kentucky. Newton noted she was attracted to apply to the position of Provost because of many of Woosterís unique features, such as Independent Study, study abroad programs and traditions.† Said Newton, ìWooster is poised at a point where great, dynamic things could happen,”said Newton.
Newton also emphasized her collaborative leadership style and the importance of a global education during her forum for questions following her presentation.
The committee will host its third and final candidate Moses Lee, current Dean of Natural and Applied Sciences and Professor of Chemistry at Hope College, on Jan. 24 and 25. Leeís visit culminates in a presentation available to the entire campus community on Monday, Jan 25, at 4 p.m. in Lean Lecture Hall, Wishart Hall.
For updates on the Provost search, visit the search committeeís blog at http://provostsearch.scotblogs.wooster.edu/.
Additional reporting contributed by Kris Fronzak.