To the Texas Tech University Community:
As the new fall semester gets underway, I want to announce some transitions and
new appointments among the Provost’s lead staff.
Transitions
Gary Elbow, associate vice provost for academic affairs, will retire from his
position in the provost’s office and return to full-time teaching at the start of the
fall semester, with a joint appointment in the Honors College and the Department
of Geosciences. Dr. Elbow's leadership in the provost’s office was key in bringing
about the new core curriculum, and he also made significant contributions in
curriculum and degree program development, management of the course inventory,
the implementation of Degree Works, and in working with the Convocations
Committee in planning commencements. We are pleased that Dr. Elbow will
remain close at hand for consultation that we will continue to value.
Peggy Miller has transitioned to a part-time position representing the provost’s
office in the relocation of The Remnant Trust to the Texas Tech campus. Dr.
Miller now offices out of the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library
where The Remnant Trust will be headquartered. She will be instrumental in
building community and university partnerships around the trust. We appreciate
Dr. Miller’s previous leadership as interim dean of the Graduate School and her
contribution as a vice provost overseeing off-campus sites and the Texas Tech
University Press.
New Appointments
Genevieve Durham DeCesaro, associate professor and head of dance in the
Department of Theatre and Dance, has agreed to serve as associate vice provost for
academic affairs beginning September 1, 2014. She will be generally responsible
for coordinating the core curriculum, facilitating curriculum development,
coordinating with partner offices (e.g., Registrar, Official Publications), overseeing
commencements, and assisting with strategic planning benchmarks for the fine arts
and humanities. She will also contribute to the student retention and success
initiative.
Darryl James, professor of mechanical engineering, has been appointed to serve as
associate vice provost for graduate affairs. His line of reporting is to Mark
Sheridan as vice provost for graduate affairs. Dr. James’ responsibilities are to
liaise between the Office of the Provost, the Graduate School, and the academic
colleges with an emphasis on graduate program development. Additionally, he will
assist with strategic planning data and assessment and aggregating college and
university academic benchmarks. Dr. James will also oversee the Texas Tech
University Press.
Please join me in congratulating each of these colleagues and sending best wishes
in their respective transitions. Please do not hesitate to call on any of us in the
Provost’s office if we may be able to assist you.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Schovanec
Provost & Senior Vice President