Students' emails have been flooded with information on the provost recently. What does all of it mean?

The University is in search of a new provost, and has been keeping students and faculty updated on the search via email.

It can be easy to disregard these emails and not give them much thought, especially because students have enough to worry about. However, students' feedback and opinions are highly regarded when it comes to the provost search.

But, what does a provost do?

Vice President for Human Resources and search committee chair Patricia Tetreault said the provost is a critical role at the University, one that is involved in almost every part of campus operations.

“The provost is a key position at the University because it is really the academic leader. So, the provost's position is the position that works both with the faculty and in the development of programs and the kind of the academic experience for a student, if you're thinking about it from a student lens,” Tetreault said.

Aside from shaping academic experiences for students, Tetreault said the provost is also a member of the president's cabinet, and serves as a key member of the cabinet, given that they advocate for academic vision, the faculty and participate in other facets of University operations.

Students may find themselves questioning why they should pay attention or care.

“I understand if a student is saying, what is this? What do I need to be involved in this? And we include students so that they can if they want to. A student may want to be interested in this because this person is the academic, the strategic vision. They are going to bring to the University and move forward with the strategic plan, with working with the faculty for faculty development and new program development and program revision,” Tetreault said.

With there being multiple provosts over the years, and a frequent hiring process, many may question or worry why that is the case.

“Thats fair. So, the University is not unique in having turnover, in academic leadership positions. It is happening across the country. Here at Scranton, we like to think that our deans and our provosts will come and stay for a long time. And sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it just doesn't work that way. And so, you know, we are putting ourselves out there to attract what we hope will be a person who will come and be part of the community for a little while,” Tetreault said.

The provost is not just another typical job to fill, rather it is a position that sets the tone and the vision for what the University can do academically. Tetreault said that the provost job entails engaging with everyone, involving the whole community, and sharing their vision within those communities, as well as setting the pace moving forward. It is one of the most important positions for a university.

Student impact matters too. Two University students serve on the committee board, working to help develop the position and review applicants.

“I really appreciate we have two students on the search committee. Kaitlyn Johnson and Megan Davis … the insight and the feedback that they offered, it just added so much value,” Tetreault said.

The search committee looks to the student body for guidance, and takes their feedback into account.

“The student voice added tremendous value to the committee's work. And the search,” Tetreault said.

There is one forum left for students to attend, in which they can ask a candidate questions, or just listen. The community forum is Friday, Feb, 20, 11 a.m. to noon in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall.