Search begins for executive vice president and provost

The University of Nebraska has commenced a national search for the position of Executive Vice President and Provost.

Dr. Linda Ray Pratt, who has served in this role since 2006, plans to step down on June 30 to return to her professional roots in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of English.

A key role

The executive vice president and provost:

  • Is the university’s ranking academic and administrative officer after the president;
  • Advises the president, chancellors and Board of Regents on matters related to academic affairs, graduate studies and research; and
  • Recommends changes or additions to academic programs and reviews promotion and tenure recommendations.

The provost’s office oversees academic programs and activities, including global engagement initiatives and institutional research, at the university.

The search committee

NU President James B. Milliken has selected a 10-member search committee that will be led by Susan Poser, dean of the College of Law at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Other members include:

  • Faisal Ahmed, student regent, UNMC;
  • John Bartle, acting dean, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of Nebraska at Omaha;
  • Charlie Bicak, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, University of Nebraska at Kearney;
  • H. Dele Davies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies, UNMC;
  • Ronnie Green, vice president/Harlan Vice Chancellor of the Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska;
  • David Lechner, vice president for business and finance, University of Nebraska
  • Jim Lewis, professor (mathematics), University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Sarah Thompson, Ph.D., professor and associate dean, College of Nursing, UNMC
  • Sharon Wood, chairperson (history), University of Nebraska at Omaha

The committee will be assisted by Kim Morrisson, Ph.D., of Diversified Search, a professional consulting firm engaged by the university.

Where to send nominations

Nominations or expressions of interest in the position may be sent to Dr. Morrisson at Kim.Morrisson@Divsearch.com. Additional information on the position may be found online.

Milliken hopes to name the new executive vice president and provost this summer.