Provost search narrowed down to two
Sarah Cramer
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: News
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Abney is the current acting provost and vice president of Academic and Student Affairs.
She temporarily replaced Thomas Hanson, who stepped down during the summer after serving in the position for more than four years. Prior to serving as acting provost, Abney was dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
Alkadi is currently a professor at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Marcus Jones, cabinet representative and vice president for University Affairs, said the committee is looking for someone who can successfully handle the budget cuts the university is experiencing.
"It's a difficult, difficult challenge for the incoming provost," Jones said.
"They have to balance continuing to provide a high level of service to the student, which is our customer, and also balancing the rights and needs and desires of the faculty.
"We want somebody who can sort of hit the ground running, and not have to play catch up, because these are crucial issues that have to be quickly addressed."
Steve Horton, committee chair and dean of Graduate Studies and Research, said the position was advertised through the Chronicles of Higher Education electronic job announcement service, through the state job announcement service and through the local media.
A total of five applicants responded, and after reviewing the applications, two finalists, who met the criteria for provost, were selected. ?
"[NSU President Randall Webb]…generated a very comprehensive job description that required credentials at the professor level," Horton said.
"The candidate would also have to demonstrate extensive experience at the administrative level in the areas of management, budget and development."
Horton said that there was a third candidate who removed them self from the list upon being invited to an in-person interview.
The search committee is made up of an additional 12 faculty and staff members.
Faculty and students will have the opportunity to meet with the finalists on Thursday and Friday.
Abney will speak on Thursday at 2 p.m. and Alkadi on Friday at 10 a.m.
The Faculty Senate and Student Government Association are hosting a forum, which will give students and faculty the chance to ask the candidates questions.
Afterwards, the search committee, Webb's cabinet and the Dean's Council will interview the canidates.
From there, the committee will make their recommendation to Webb, who will make his recommendation to the University of Louisiana Board of Regents.
Horton said the final selection will hopefully be made by April, and the new provost will begin his or her position on July 1.
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