Dear Members of the Brown Community,

I am writing to provide an update on the status of the search for Brown’s next provost. I am excited to share that the search is going well, and I anticipate that a new provost will be announced by the end of the fall semester.

Over the past three months, the search committee has conducted a thorough and rigorous process that included developing a deep and diverse applicant pool; collecting ideas and advice from faculty, staff and students; and interviewing outstanding candidates. I want to thank the members of the search committee for the time and care they have put into this process to date, and for their continuing efforts as we move toward the final steps of the search.

We have made great progress with an outstanding slate of candidates in a very short time, but it is unlikely at this point that a new provost will be able to start at the beginning of January, when Provost Richard M. Locke will depart to lead Apple University. I have decided to appoint an interim provost who can sustain the strong trajectory of academic leadership for Brown through the spring semester until a new provost is able to transition into the role, likely no later than July 1, 2023.

I am pleased to announce that Larry Larson, emeritus dean of Brown’s School of Engineering, has agreed to serve in the role of interim provost until the new provost can take their position. Larry is a well-known and highly regarded member of the Brown community. In serving as the inaugural dean of the engineering school, he built extensive experience creating and sustaining strong academic programs; developing a thriving research enterprise, including through growth in sponsored research, fundraising and investment; managing capital planning and structural improvements; and, especially, sustaining strong communities of learners and educators.

Through Larry’s years of experience working closely with the provost and other academic leaders, as well as his service on the provost search committee, he has a deep understanding of the people, systems and operations that make Brown function as a strong community, and the responsibilities of its provost. I especially appreciate that Larry interrupted his well-earned, post-deanship sabbatical to take on this important role.

I am announcing Larry’s interim role now, even before the provost’s search is concluded, to allow him to begin working with Rick and other key university constituents during the month of December. This will help ensure a smooth leadership transition.

I look forward to working with Larry in his interim role. Please join me in thanking him for stepping into this important position.

Sincerely,

Christina H. Paxson
President