Geoffrey L. Gamble, currently a top administrator at Washington State University (WSU), has been named as the University of Vermont´s next provost. UVM President Judith A. Ramaley today announced Gamble´s appointment to the post as the university´s chief academic officer and number-two administrator. The provost reports directly to the president and is responsible for broad oversight and planning of the university's academic, budgetary and administrative functions.
"Dr. Gamble has experience, intellect, vision and a passion for higher education´s crucial issues such as quality and diversity," said Ramaley. "I am delighted that he will put these attributes to work for UVM and Vermont at this challenging time when universities that aspire to true greatness must transform themselves and reaffirm their relationship with their communities."
Gamble has been vice provost for academic affairs at WSU since 1992 and recently served as interim provost and academic vice president. A professor of anthropology and nationally recognized expert on Native American linguistics, he has a doctorate in linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley.
"The University of Vermont is a superb academic institution and I am excited to accept the invitation to join the UVM community," said Gamble. "The next decade will be a time of necessary transformation for higher education. With its history of high-quality programs, a strong set of core values, and excellent faculty, staff and students, UVM has the capability to meet the challenges of change and is poised to enter the next century as a leading research/land-grant institution. I am looking forward to working with the UVM community and President Judith Ramaley as UVM fulfills its mission for the 21st century."
Gamble will begin his duties at UVM on Jan. 15, 1998. His salary will be $149,000.
Gamble replaces Gerald Francis, who has held the position on an interim basis since July, 1996. Ramaley chose Gamble from candidates presented by a search committee of faculty, staff and students convened May 7 and chaired by Dr. John Frymoyer, dean of UVM´s College of Medicine. Selection of top contenders and a final decision by Ramaley followed review of more than 100 applications, early-October interviews with 16 candidates in Chicago and visits to campus by six candidates in October and November.
Ramaley praised the work of the committee.
"The search committee started with three clear goals: Recruit superb candidates, complete the job at an ambitious pace and demonstrate a search process that would serve as a model of integrity and openness," she said. "I´m pleased to report that the committee accomplished all three goals in splendid fashion."