After a month-long search, the University named Harold Silverman to the newly created position of vice-provost for arts, sciences and engineering in January.
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Risa Palm initiated the search in early December in an effort to enhance undergraduate education and focus more attention on the colleges of arts and sciences, basic sciences and engineering, three of the largest at the University.
Silverman most recently served as dean of the College of Basic Sciences. He also was one of the five finalists for the executive vice chancellor and provost position in 2003.
Karl Roider, chairman of the search committee, said several qualities attracted the committee to Silverman, including his persuasive and diplomatic skills, as well as his knowledge of the missions of the various colleges.
Roider said Silverman also brings administrative experience to the position. As Basic Sciences dean, Silverman oversaw the college’s activities, and worked with members of the engineering department on research and grants projects. He also worked with members of arts and sciences in team-taught courses such as physics and mathematics.
“He’s shown a great ability to get people to work together,” Roider said.
Kevin Carman, College of Basic Sciences associate dean, said Silverman was “an excellent choice for the position,” citing his vision in moving the college forward and his progress in hiring faculty, obtaining facilities and other activities.
Palm said Silverman will be responsible for, among other things, looking at budgets and budget possibilities, and working with Palm and the deans of the three colleges to reach “a higher level of excellence.”
Carman said a new Basic Sciences dean has not yet been named, but expects the college to make a decision in the near future.