Almanac Between Issues July 13, 2004

Peter Conn: Interim Provost

Peter Conn

Deputy Provost Peter Conn, Andrea Mitchell Professor of English, has agreed to serve as the Interim Provost effective August 2, President Amy Gutmann announced yesterday afternoon. A member of Penn's faculty since 1967, Dr. Conn has been Deputy Provost since 1999. He has also served as Dean of the College (1981-84), Chair of the graduate groups in American Civilization (1992-94) and English (1987-89, 1995-96), Faculty Master of Hill College House (1973-76) and Community House (1987-94), Faculty Advisor of Civic House, and Faculty Fellow of Gregory House.  Dr. Conn has also been chair of the Faculty Senate, a role he relinquished at the time he became deputy provost.

As Interim Provost, Dr. Conn will serve as chief academic officer, while a consultative search committee is established to find a permanent replacement for Provost Robert Barchi who is becoming president of Thomas Jefferson University on September 1. The committee—comprised of faculty, undergraduate and graduate-professional students— will conduct a national search, beginning in early fall.

Dr. Conn will continue to be involved in many projects that he led as Deputy Provost. Dr. Gutmann said, “As a valued member of the President's Advisory Group, Peter will work with me in developing new priorities while also continuing to advance the University's Strategic Plan. He will work with the 12 deans on their academic planning, budgeting, and development initiatives and oversee all faculty appointments and promotions. Working closely with Dean Lee Stetson, Peter will oversee the admissions process.  He will also collaborate with Perry Molinoff, Vice Provost for Research, and Les Hudson, Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives, to direct Penn's vast research enterprise while also overseeing undergraduate and graduate education programs as well as programs that enrich the University's learning environment, including student and religious life activities, the College House system, athletics and recreation, and libraries, along with Penn's numerous arts and cultural institutions."

 

Posted 7/13/04


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