Following an internal recruitment process and consultation with Senate, we are delighted to announce that Professor Mark Spearing will be the University’s new Provost (Interim) as of 1 January 2015. This follows the announcement of our new executive structure in October which outlined the decision to split the current role of Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor role into two posts.
Professor Adam Wheeler will continue as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) supporting the Vice-Chancellor in the general management of the University, having specific responsibility for oversight of major University projects and business development in support of the successful delivery of the University Strategy.
As Provost, Mark will have management responsibility for the Deans and will focus on the delivery of the strategy through the Faculties, and in the development of academic staff in the context of the staff survey results. Together with the Chief Operating Officer, the Provost will have a major role in managing productive working relations between Faculties and Professional Services.
This is a one year appointment commencing 1 January 2015. Mark will maintain oversight of the International portfolio during this time, supported in this responsibility by the International Executive Group. In addition, we plan to appoint one or more senior academic leads for international partnerships. These fractional appointments will be responsible for the active development and management of relations with key university partners overseas. Further information and a call for expressions of interest in these roles will be made in the New Year.
Vice-Chancellor Don Nutbeam comments: “I am delighted that Mark will step into this newly shaped Provost role. With his strong academic track record and the leadership capabilities he has shown as Head of the School of Engineering Sciences and as Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) he is well placed to work with our Deans to drive forward our Strategy.”