Tech President Phil Oldham said it will likely take a full academic year to hire a new Provost.
Oldham’s comments came Thursday as the Board of Trustees Executive Committee officially approved Zhanjiang “John” Liu as interim provost.
“[Liu is] a great fit to step in and help us at this critical time, and the goal is to not lose any momentum whatsoever,” Oldham said. “I think we’re in a good place to do that, and I think John is the right guy to help make that possible.”
Liu has spent the last two years at Tech as the Vice President of Research. He will continue in that role. Liu He will take over for Dr. Lori Bruce, who is set to become the Chancellor at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
“As we’re happy and proud for [Bruce], we’re excited to have John available and willing to step into this interim position, and help us through this next several months as we look for the next provost,” Oldham said.
Oldham said Liu is a world renowned researcher, but also has experience in the provost office from his time at Auburn and Syracuse. Liu spent two years as the interim provost at Syracuse.
Liu said stepping up takes courage, but he feels prepared thanks to his 30 years of experience in higher education.
“Under the present leadership, we have set a great vision,” Liu said. “To put the students first, enhance the student experience and success, further increase enrollment and retention, working to increase, of course, research funding, scholarship, and reputation.”
Liu officially begins his role as interim provost on July 1.
