Kenneth Miles, assistant vice chancellor and executive director of the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes, will take on the extra role of interim vice provost for Equity, Diversity and Community Outreach – effectively filling two full-time jobs in a move Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Stuart Bell said would save the University money.
The role is currently filled by Katrice Albert, who is leaving LSU to take a similar position at the University of Minnesota. Albert is one of several high-level administrators who have announced their departures or retirements from LSU in the past year.
Miles will fill the interim position while a search committee finds a permanent replacement for Albert.
Bell said Albert will be in and out of the office visiting Minnesota, so having Miles available to take on some of the work will be an additional benefit.
No search committee has been formed for the position yet because structural changes might be made as part of the University’s reorganization process, Bell said.
“We may want to tweak the position a little bit,” Bell said. “That’s been in my mind as we look to move this position forward. Hopefully, in the next few weeks we’ll glean some information from the Transition Advisory Team.”
Bell said Miles will have some help as he fills the two positions.
“He will be paid for both, but he won’t be doubling up,” Bell said. “Part of his salary will come from his current budget line … and some of his salary will be pulled from the [Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Outreach] line.”
Bell said the University is taking every opportunity to better meet its needs in terms of service and saving money.
The idea is to protect the core mission of academic programs and student experience, which sometimes makes it necessary to examine administrative positions for possible changes, Bell said.
“It is truly an honor and privilege to serve LSU in the capacity of interim vice provost for Equity, Diversity, and Community Outreach,” Miles said in a statement. “It is my goal to continue to foster an environment that promotes, supports, highlights and affirms multiculturalism. As a flagship institution, we must be on the forefront of raising the bar and setting the barometer, and I am willing to assist in that process.”
Miles will officially take on his new responsibilities July 1, but he will be shadowing Albert until then to ensure a “seamless transition,” Bell said.
“His name came up so many times,” Bell said. “He was clearly the best choice, and I’ve already gotten many emails from people who think he’ll be wonderful.”
Miles has held his previous position since 2008.
