Dear Colleagues,
I write to note some staffing changes in Academic Affairs that include a new administrative appointment. Like other areas of the College, we have experienced some shifting of staff and reallocation of work as part of the staff reassignment process overseen by the Staff Resources Committee. One administrative assistant in the Provost’s office moved to another position at the College earlier this fall, and we have not replaced that position. Instead, remaining Old Chapel staff are assuming a variety of additional tasks. Mari Price will be moving into my office, but continuing her support of multiple administrators, including myself.
In place of the vacated staff position, we have decided that the work of the Provost’s office can be best facilitated by providing a different level of assistance. Following consultation with Faculty Council, we have invited a faculty colleague to serve in a half-time administrative capacity as Assistant Provost. The colleague in this position will assist me with organization, communication, and project management. Unlike a Dean, the Assistant Provost will not have an independent portfolio of responsibilities, but will support the Provost’s work by undertaking delegated tasks, allowing me to devote time to more strategic issues.
I am happy to say that Associate Professor of Religion James Calvin Davis has agreed to take on this role as of February 1. James will bring to this position his experience both as Chair of the Department of Religion, and Chair of the Institutional Review Board. We are grateful for his willingness to serve the College in this new capacity.
Alison
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Alison Byerly
Professor of English
Provost and Executive Vice President
Old Chapel
Middlebury College
Middlebury, Vermont 05753
802-443-5735