Lead Story

Provost candidates respond to questions from faculty, students

Student preparedness, research, and globalization were the topics of the day at Friday morning presentations by three candidates for provost.

The three hour-long public presentations were intended as a way for faculty and staff to get to know the candidates for the position of executive vice president of student affairs and provost, which Randy Woodson vacates in May. Each candidate spoke for about 10 minutes about his background, leadership approach and goals for the position. The remainder of the hour was devoted to a question-and-answer session with attending faculty, staff and students.

The first presenter was Tim Sands, director of the Birck Nanotechnology Center and professor of mechanical and electrical and computer engineering. Sands emphasized his policies at Birck, which include an open-door approach to management, collaboration among research groups and recognition of excellence.