Two finalists in Kennesaw State’s search for the next provost and vice president of academic affairs presented on the Marietta and Kennesaw campuses on Jan. 22 and Jan. 24.
Dr. Kathy Schwaig and Dr. Jonathan Tubman displayed their qualifications for the open provost position in public presentations which were open to all KSU faculty, staff and students, according to KSU’s website. Each candidate held two presentations, one on the Marietta campus and one on the Kennesaw campus.
Schwaig, the current dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business, presented on Jan. 22. Schwaig has served at KSU for almost 17 years, and she cited her connection to this university in her presentations.
“I have a deep love and appreciation for this institution having served here for just under 17 years,” Schwaig said. “I have seen KSU in various stages of its history and feel that I can bring that perspective and experience to the Provost’s Office.”
Tubman, vice provost for research and dean of graduate studies at American University, cited his many years of experience in higher education regarding his work with graduate students. Although Tubman said his “view is that of an outsider rather than an insider,” he said that he believes this position for provost and vice president of academic affairs is quite a rare leadership opportunity.
“I understand there has been a lot of administrative changes in the last two to four years,” Tubman said.
He added that he “is very optimistic for the future of KSU” as a young, ambitious and competitive institution.
The provost search committee and its broad spectrum of faculty and staff will deliberate on these two finalists and consider their qualifications. KSU President Dr. Pamela Whitten sent an email to the university deans and chairs on Oct. 9, stating that the committee hopes to have a new provost in office by winter 2019.
This provost search follows the retirement of Dr. Linda Noble, former interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, on Nov. 1 after serving since January 2018. Noble assumed the position of interim provost following then-Provost Dr. Ken Harmon’s appointment as interim president. Harmon fulfilled the role of interim president after former KSU President Sam Olens announced his resignation in December 2017.
The 20 members of the search committee include faculty and staff members from both the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses and each of KSU’s 13 colleges. The firm Funk & Associates is assisting in the search, according to KSU’s website.
