Provost Update

I would like to thank Dr. Carolyn Bruder for her dedication as an exceptional Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She is retiring this summer after leading our academic affairs division for nearly three years, longer than she first intended.

Dr. Bruder began her career at the University in the 1970s as an English instructor. She later became head of the Department of English. She’s made her mark with students, faculty and staff as a great mentor and leader. Dr. Bruder has led academic planning and faculty development, and served both as assistant and associate vice president for academic affairs.

Often the assumption is that an interim is named to simply maintain and manage day-to-day operations. But, Dr. Bruder did so much to advance the University’s academic core. We've appreciated her candor and her ability to make level-headed decisions so promptly. I commend her on a job well done and appreciate her for being so giving in her governance.

The pride she took in her work was apparent to all of us. Last month, students honored her with the University’s first Dean Mary Olive McPhaul Service to Students Award. In acknowledging her, the students recognized her noteworthy career.

We wish Dr. Bruder the best in her upcoming retirement from the University, and we hope to see her warm smile at many of our activities, especially rooting for the Ragin’ Cajuns softball team.

During the early part of this summer, she will work in a brief transition period with incoming Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bradd Clark.

Dr. Clark had recently asked to retire as dean of the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences, but I asked him to stay on a few more months. I am pleased to announce that has agreed to serve as interim provost while we continue our national search.

Dr. Clark joined the University faculty in 1976, two years after the college was formed. He was head of the Department of Mathematics before becoming dean of the college of sciences 12 years ago.

The provost search committee is on track with its recently announced timeline. The committee continues to meet regularly and will launch our national search next month. I know this has been a long process, but we are fortunate to have two outstanding leaders serve as interim who are moving our institution forward while we prepare for even bigger steps in the future.

I appreciate everyone’s input to the search process and for your patience. I look forward to your further participation as we invite candidates to campus this fall.

Thank you and well wishes for your summer,

Sincerely,
E. Joseph Savoie
President
president@louisiana.edu