FSU provost to step down

[parent2noles]

<p>New president at FSU and, after about a year, a new national search for a provost.</p>

<p>See: Florida</a> State's Lawrence G. Abele, one of the nation's longest-serving and most highly regarded provosts, to step down / Featured Stories - FSU.com</p>

[sunnyflorida]

<p>Generally, it is courtesy for the provost and the vice-presidents to step down after a new president is sworn in, to allow the president to have those working under him that are “his own.” Provost Abele agreed to stay longer than is usual to allow for a smooth transition. He has accomplished quite a bit during his tenure. I am sure he was disappointed to not be chosen as President.

Abele, a marine biologist, is among the longest-serving provosts and academic vice presidents in the United States and has the longest tenure among provosts in the State University System of Florida.</p>

<p>“In my view, Larry Abele is one of the most respected and knowledgeable provosts in the country,” said Florida State President Eric J. Barron. "What he has accomplished in his 16 years as provost and executive vice president is truly remarkable.</p>

<p>“When I came aboard as president, Larry informed me that it was his intent to devote himself full time to the Institute for Academic Leadership. I asked him to give me as much time as possible as our provost, so that we could have as smooth a leadership transition as possible. There is no doubt that he was instrumental in working to maintain our budgets in the face of state deficits during the last legislative cycle. His advice and knowledge have been invaluable, and I am indebted to him for the extra year of service as provost that he has provided.”</p>

<p>Barron said the university will begin the process of setting up a national search for its next provost immediately.</p>

<p>The provost is the senior academic administrator at FSU, a position of singular importance. As the second-ranking officer at the university, who acts for the president, Abele has held the position under three presidents: Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte, Thomas Kent “T.K.” Wetherell and Barron.</p>

<p>Early in the last decade, Abele worked tirelessly and with considerable foresight to successfully insulate the university from potentially disastrous budget reductions that were experienced by most institutions in the state. He dedicated himself to improving the recruitment, advising and retention of students; tracking and improving the satisfaction of students; improving teaching quality and quantity; and growing the research contracts and grants that faculty receive.</p>

<p>“There is no academic measure that hasn’t improved substantially during Dr. Abele’s term as provost,” said Vice President for Research Kirby Kemper. “The publication rate for faculty has doubled, for example. Meanwhile, retention and graduate rates for students are at the highest levels we’ve ever had. By virtually any measure, Florida State is a stronger academic institution thanks to the many contributions of Larry Abele.”

</p>

[lizard]

<p>It could get interesting at Florida state universities too if Democrat Alex Sink is elected governor in November and she starts appointing “her own” people to university trustee boards and Florida Board of Governors vacancies after almost a dozen years of Republican governors Crist and Bush making appointments. The state legislature will remain republican so there could be some dust ups at some of the universities if Sink is elected.</p>