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History professor to lead as vice provost for faculty

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by Ken Harris

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The University of Wisconsin selected a new vice provost for faculty and staff programs Wednesday, filling the position from within their own ranks.

UW Provost Patrick Farrell officially signed the papers making UW history professor and director of Latin American and Iberian studies Steve Stern the new vice provost.

The vice provost for faculty and staff programs is a part-time position that is responsible for dealing with the concerns of deans of UW schools and colleges, as well as inpiduals in administrative offices.

Farrell said he selected Stern from a large pool of candidates because of both his long tenure on the faculty as well as his administrative experience, adding Stern has served in the past as the chair of the history department.

According to Farrell, the appointee for the position needs to be familiar with and have an awareness of a lot of faculty issues.

“This is a case where … it’s important that this be a faculty member,” Farrell said.

Stern said the search began last fall when he applied for the position after being nominated.

He added he never assumed he would get the position.

“There are a lot of impressive, talented people out there so I certainly didn’t take it for granted the idea that it would be me,” Stern said.

According to Stern, the responsibilities of the work the vice provost for faculty and staff does is very important because it is “essential for a democratic society to have top-notch public universities.”

“What they’re trying to accomplish is to make sure UW is a place for faculty and staff to thrive and flourish … and realize their full talents,” Stern said.

Stern said he is “humbled and daunted” about handling the responsibilities of the job, but is also excited. He added the position is much better as a part-time position because he needs to stay in touch with the needs of those who are teaching.

“To be effective, one has to be a scholar teacher to keep in touch with the grassroots of the faculty,” Stern said.

Stern will officially fill the post July 1 when current Vice Provost Laurie Beth Clark steps down and assumes her full-time faculty position as a professor of art.

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Anonymous (March 27, 2008 @ 10:45am):

Congratulations Professor Stern!

Anonymous (March 27, 2008 @ 4:56pm):

Awesome. Steve Stern is a good guy. Well-deserved.

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