From the President: Provost Transition

Dear campus community,

 

As some have likely heard, Provost Jennifer Summit announced this week her intent to return to the faculty at the end of this academic year. It has been my pleasure and honor to work with Jennifer for the last seven years, first as CSU peers in undergraduate studies, later as fellow provosts and most recently as colleagues here. In all her roles, Jennifer has been a recognized leader by her CSU colleagues, and I have appreciated her wisdom and counsel. While wishing her well as she returns to her first loves of teaching and scholarship, I know I speak for many when I say that she will be sorely missed.

 

Jennifer’s thoughtful and deep commitments to shared governance and student success have been hallmarks of her tenure. In just a few short years under her leadership, we have made significant improvements in access to classes, advising and tutoring, and in fostering equity and excellence in our teaching and classrooms. And, with these, have seen important gains in retention and graduation rates. Most recently, Jennifer has worked with the University Budget Committee and with Administration & Finance to develop a culture of transparency and budget literacy. This will serve Academic Affairs and the University well in the future as a basis for strategic budget decisions and investments.

 

I will work with the Academic Senate Executive Committee to launch a search for new provost with the expectation of filling the position by July 1, 2022. The search will be open and transparent with opportunities for all to meet the finalists and submit their feedback.