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Committee recommends Shelton for provost


The search committee seeking a new provost for Carolina has recommended Robert N. Shelton, vice provost for research at the University of California, for the post.

The recommendation was reached in consultation with Carolina Chancellor James Moeser, officials said. Shelton will make a second visit to campus Sept. 28 through Oct. 2 for further discussions about the position. Any recommendation on a new provost must be approved by the University Board of Trustees and the UNC Board of Governors.

Shelton has held his current post with the University of California Office of the President since 1996. He had previously served as vice chancellor for research at UC Davis for six years.

Shelton joined the UC Davis faculty in 1987, chairing the physics department for three years. He earned his doctorate and master's degrees at UC San Diego.

Richard L. Edwards, dean of the School of Social Work, currently serves as Carolina's interim provost.

Led by Jeffrey Houpt, vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the medical school, the provost's search committee conducted an extensive national search that resulted in five finalists being announced last month.

As part of the search process, four of the five finalists participated in open campus forums held with faculty, staff and students. One withdrew his candidacy before his scheduled forum.

"I would like to express my deep appreciation to the committee members for the hard work that resulted in an outstanding pool of candidates," Moeser said. "They have successfully shepherded a process that has involved the campus community."

The provost, who also will carry the title of executive vice chancellor in Moeser's administration, serves as chief academic officer for the University.

Addressing another search, Moeser said at a Sept. 15 Faculty Council meeting that he was close to naming his choice for vice chancellor for finance and administration. Jack Evans is filling the post in the interim.

Meanwhile, Fred Brooks, who is leading the search committee for a vice chancellor of research and graduate studies, said Moeser and committee members held their first meeting on Sept. 6.

Brooks said the committee expects to begin running ads after the position description is approved this month. The application process must remain open 45 days after the advertisements appear, Brooks said.

Brooks said the interview process will involve the new provost and the new vice chancellor for finance and administration.

Whoever is hired as vice chancellor for research and graduate studies will work closely with the provost and deans and directors of schools and colleges to lead the University on issues of research policy. He or she will be responsible for enhancing the University's position as a leading research university.

Moeser has restored the position to the level of vice chancellor. It was designated as a vice provost under former Chancellor Michael Hooker. Linda Dykstra has been performing the post's duties on an interim basis.


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