The interview process for the provost position at the University continued yesterday, with a public forum for faculty and students in Talley Student Center. Warwick A. Arden, who has served as interim provost and executive vice chancellor at the University since May 2009, answered questions and addressed some of his ideas.
“If Chancellor Woodson chooses me for this position, I would want it to be because based on my experience and knowledge I am the best person in the country to do this job. I’m sure the other candidates would say the same,” Arden said.
Before serving as the interim provost and executive vice chancellor, Arden spent five years as dean of the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to working at this University, Arden served as a professor and department head of veterinary clinical medicine at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
“I am a firm believer that educating young people in society will better our society,” Arden said.
Arden also spent time working at the University of Kentucky, Michigan State University, and the University of Sydney. He has a Ph.D in physiology and biophysics from the University of Kentucky, an M.S. in physiology from Michigan State, and a B.V.Sc. in veterinary medicine from the University of Sydney.
Arden also recently served as president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. Originally from Australia, he moved to the United States twenty-seven years ago to do research and decided to stay longer than originally planned.
“I told my parents I would be gone for three years; it’s been twenty-seven so far,” Arden said.
Serving as interim provost and executive vice chancellor, Arden dealt with the academic side of the University as well as Student Affairs and budgetary needs. The permanent provost position deals with the same issues Arden has been working with since May 2009.
“I meet with students, faculty and staff to discuss academic programs. The provost position is a more internally focused job, where the chancellor is more externally focused for the University,” Arden said.
Arden has four children, all between the ages of eight and 16. In his free time, he enjoys riding horses, fishing and photography; although as of late, his free time has been scarce.
“If a job is worthwhile, it is usually pretty demanding,” Arden said.
The many budget cuts the University is facing in the coming year are one of the things the provost will deal with. The University has lost roughly 10 percent of our state funding in the last year and stands to lose another 10 percent next year.
“As an institution, it is really impacting every part. We can’t do without certain things; we can’t do without teachers for out classes and seats and sections for our students. Making budget cuts in a strategic way is important,” Arden said.
During his forum, Arden stressed the importance of focusing on education within the University. Budget cuts, tenure for faculty members, and the competition of private universities were all discussed during the question and answer session. Arden also focused largely on the importance of keeping the graduation rates for students intact.
“You have to know what business you’re in. We’re in the knowledge business here. You have to keep that at the heart of everything you do,” Arden said.
Arden also discussed how the budget cuts have affected students and faculty on campus. Although the administration has been trying to keep as many classes and teaching positions open as possible, there have still been some cuts on both sides.
“We’ve fallen a little out of balance and we just need to get that balance back,” Arden said.
