MSU adopts provost system, creates institute

MSU President Michael T. Nietzel touted the provost model during his interviews for the university president position, and the Faculty Senate called for a provost last academic year. Nietzel, a former University of Kentucky provost, is conducting a national search for a full-time university provost.

The provost’s role is that of chief academic officer, leading the faculty in academic planning and budgetary decisions. The position also holds responsibility for the presidential office, when the president is unable or unavailable to conduct such duties.

While the search is under way, Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs Frank Einhellig will serve as acting provost.

The Community and Social Issues Institute is another step in fulfilling MSU’s statewide public affairs mission. The institute is set up to “organize and apply the research and service capacity of the university to assist public and private institutions as they address significant social issues facing the community,” according to a university news release.

“The community is facing the same deep-rooted problems as other cities and regions – violence and crime, family disarray, drugs, poverty, sprawl, etc.,” said Lloyd Young, professor emeritus of sociology, in a news release. “If we are to address those problems effectively, we must mobilize all of the resources available, including our intellectual resources.”

Young will serve as director of the CSII.

Among the institute’s goals are:

• partnering with public and private social agencies;

• encouraging faculty member involvement;

• working on city community projects; and

• becoming self-supporting through grants and service contracts.

The board approved a $40,000 budget for fiscal year 2006. CSII is housed in Siceluff Hall on MSU’s Springfield campus.