Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, appointed Dr. Greg Straughn as interim provost Monday, November 21, he announced in an email to faculty and staff.

“He brings incredible inside experience, served as interim dean of college of arts and science,” Schubert said. “I remember during that time frame being very impressed with his understanding and appreciation for the academic side of what we do, as well as his ability to traverse over into the administration side.”

Straughn has served in various positions at ACU within the last ten years, including associate professor of music, chair of the department of music, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and most recently as assistant provost for general education.

“He has enormous credibility among his colleagues, which I think is also a necessary ingredient,” Schubert said. “I think that is because he’s demonstrated very proficient leadership in a number of different roles.”

According to Schubert, the search for a permanent provost will be underway immediately.

“We have appointed a 10 person search committee,” Schubert said. “Our hope is to name someone in the early to mid-summer; we want to be able to have them on the ground for fall 2012.”

Straughn will not be excluded from applying for provost. If he desires to apply for the position, he will have the flexibility to do so, Schubert said.

Straughn is to work with Dr. Jeanine Varner, current provost, through the end of the calendar year and will focus on ACU’s key academic priorities.