Manship College of Mass Communication Dean and award-winning author Jack Hamilton will become the University’s executive vice chancellor and provost, Chancellor Michael Martin announced Monday.Hamilton will assume the post July 1 and remain a Manship College faculty member, according to a broadcast email..Hamilton’s time as provost will begin as the University continues to toil through budget cuts and financial uncertainty, which he said would make the job tough.”This is a difficult time to be the provost,” Hamilton said. “I can’t say it will be an enjoyable job.”Hamilton said he will act as provost for two years, after which he will continue as a Manship College faculty member.During his time at the University, which began in 1992, Hamilton made strides with the Manship College by quintupling its endowment and establishing a Ph.D. program in media and public affairs, among other achievements.Hamilton said he hopes for the best as the legislature continues to debate the University’s budget for the upcoming year.”I’m hoping the legislature will be as merciful to students on campus as it possibly can,” he said.Hamilton will succeed current provost Astrid Merget, who announced her resignation from the position May 14.–
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