Clay Yokom|Marlin Chronicle
As of April 15, Dr. Dierdre Gonsalves-Jackson serves as the acting provost and vice president of Academic Affairs for Virginia Wesleyan University.
The position of Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs is responsible for addressing “questions and concerns regarding the academic program,” according to the Student Handbook. They also act as a co-chair on the President’s Council for Inclusive Communities (PCIC). This position also has responsibilities managing patents made with University resources and administration, including appointing positions.
Some additions for the upcoming academic year are Dr. Victor Townsend as assistant provost and Dr. Lauren Marquez as associate provost.
Originally, Dr. Sue Larkin, who declined to comment, was to remain as the provost until June and go to Doane University (Crete, Nebraska) to act as the Vice President of Academic Affairs there. This was changed in April and Gonsalves-Jackson stepped into the role ahead of schedule.
The change in timeline happened “to allow Dr. Larkin to have more time to complete time-sensitive projects before her departure” according to Stephanie Timmerman, the administrative assistant to the provost and vice president. As for office transitions from the Lighthouse to the Hofheimer Library, Timmerman said, “Nothing about the day to day operations of any of the offices will be changing – the only thing changing is the location of the folks working in those spaces.”
In line with the joint goals of the Provost’s office and President Scott Miller, Miller announced in the March 17 Nota Bene that the Athenaeum continues to see changes as the offices finish construction and welcome newly rehomed members of Lighthouse. Although a comprehensive plan for layout and logistical operation has not yet been released as of April 22, offices have moved to the Athenaeum, and students seeking those services should ensure they are going to the correct office.
Anticipation also surrounds long-term department identity and the potential rebranding of The Lighthouse under the Athenaeum.
The April 14 Nota Bene expressed “how grouping these operations will streamline our enterprise to better serve our students.”
As office moves commence, one box at a time, the campus transitions to a reimagined office of Academic Affairs.
By Clay Yokom
