Effective on April 15, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Patricia Prelock has been appointed Interim Provost and Senior Vice President. She will serve as a key partner and chief academic officer to President-Designate Suresh Garimella, who will assume his position on July 1.
“I am most looking forward to engaging with faculty to facilitate curricular and research innovations, with staff to enhance processes that support our academic mission and with students to ensure a high quality academic experience,” says Prelock of her new appointment.
As Interim Provost and Senior Vice President, Prelock will be responsible for collaborating with deans and the Faculty Senate to strengthen curriculum; exploring new possibilities for educational and research initiatives and partnerships both locally and globally; advancing efforts for inclusive excellence; and fostering respectful conversations about how the university can meet both its unique challenges and common challenges of all higher education institutions today, among other duties.
Prelock has served as Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences for 10 years, as Department Chair in the College of Arts and Sciences for 8 years, and as a Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders during her years at the University of Vermont.
Her appointment comes following careful consultation and input from many across the university, including survey responses, faculty, staff, students, and search advisory committee co-chairs Professor Jan Carney, Faculty Senate Vice President and Professor John Hughes, former Provost and Senior Vice President. The decision was made in collaboration with President-Designate Garimella.
“Both President-Designate Garimella and I believe Dean Prelock brings skills, experience and knowledge that will enable her as Provost to support and strengthen our colleges and academic programs, and continue to elevate the university as a whole,” said President Tom Sullivan in an email to the university community.
Prelock succeeds David Rosowsky, who served as Provost and Senior Vice President of the University of Vermont for 6 years before stepping down to facilitate a smooth and quick transition of leadership for President-Designate Garimella. While Prelock assumes her new role, Dean Scott Thomas will serve as Interim Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences in addition to his position as Dean of the College of Education and Social Services.
Source: UVM News