Dr. Duane Hrncir named interim provost

Dear UAA Community,

Over the past several weeks, I've had conversations with many people about UAA's options for filling the interim provost role. Among those options were reassignment of provost duties internally, drawing from The Registry (a highly recognized organization that provides interim leaders for institutions in transition) or appointing Dr. Duane Hrncir to serve as interim provost.

I appreciate the feedback and guidance from all of you. After consultation with faculty leaders, deans, chancellor's cabinet and President Johnsen, I am pleased to announce that I have offered Dr. Hrncir the position of UAA's interim provost. I will continue to serve as both provost and interim chancellor until Dr. Hrncir begins his new duties on Aug. 1. He has agreed to fill the interim provost position through the end of FY18, while a search for a new chancellor is conducted.

Dr. Hrncir has more than four decades of experience in higher education, serving as a faculty member, a department chair, a dean, a provost, an associate vice president and an acting president. Over the course of his career, Dr. Hrncir worked for the University of Alabama, University of Texas at Dallas, Mesa State College and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDSM&T).

As provost at SDSM&T, Dr. Hrncir provided leadership for the campus during a time of uncertainty and transition. He was instrumental in strategic planning and in efforts aimed at increasing enrollment, student retention and graduation rates. This experience will be of particular value to UAA as we move forward with our own initiatives in these areas.

Thank you to everyone who participated in reviewing interim provost options and providing feedback.

Sincerely, Sam Gingerich Interim Chancellor

July Archive