Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
I hope you enjoyed a restful spring break. I’m pleased to share with you today that I have named Trevor Brown, PhD, Ohio State’s interim executive vice president and provost, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. Dr. Brown’s appointment will be effective immediately for a two-year term.
I’m confident Trevor is the right leader at the right time to maintain the momentum in our academic enterprise, and I am grateful that he has stepped up to serve Ohio State in this new role. He is a 25-year Buckeye veteran, having joined our faculty in 2001 before becoming director of the then-Glenn School and then dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at its inception in 2015. Last year, he was named senior vice provost for academic affairs, providing vital leadership on our strategies for academic excellence and student success.
He has been an outstanding partner and resource for our deans, vice provosts and other academic leaders, and a trusted source of advice and institutional knowledge for me since I arrived at Ohio State 14 months ago. Dr. Brown is also a renowned researcher in public management and organizational theory, a respected author, and an experienced partner to a variety of local, state, federal and foreign governments and public organizations.
Equally as important, Trevor is a dedicated public servant, in the mold of his mentor and friend, the late Senator John Glenn. Trevor believes deeply in our educational mission and has dedicated his career to the betterment of society through public service. I know he will be a strong champion for academic excellence and shared governance, and that his leadership will be informed by what’s best for our students, faculty, staff and the people of Ohio. Please see more about today’s announcement at Ohio State News.
Trevor believes – as I do – that Ohio State is a true academic powerhouse, and that together we can create transformative impact through our teaching, research, service and patient care. I know he looks forward to engaging with you more closely in the weeks and months ahead, and I’m excited to see what we achieve under his leadership.
Our plan is for Dr. Brown to continue to hold the title of dean of the Glenn College through April 30. Beginning May 1, also pending approval by the Board of Trustees, Stephanie Moulton, PhD, professor and associate dean for faculty and research in the college, will serve as acting dean. We thank Stephanie for answering this call to lead the Glenn College forward.
During Dr. Brown’s two-year term, we will launch a national search for the position and, consistent with our shared governance process, we will engage our campus community in a conversation about permanent leadership in the provost’s office, with opportunities for input from students, faculty and staff.
Thank you for all you do for Ohio State and the people we serve. I look forward to seeing you on our campuses soon as we work toward a strong finish to the academic year.
Ravi V. Bellamkonda, PhD
President, The Ohio State University