UB's New Provost
Maine Educator Joseph S. Wood to Begin July 1
Joseph S. Wood, professor of geography and former provost and interim president of the University of Southern Maine, was named provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Baltimore on March 31, 2009. Wood was selected by UB President Robert L. Bogomolny following a national search by a UB committee working in tandem with the firm Greenwood/Asher and Associates. He started his position at UB on July 1.
Wood began his academic career at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he taught from 1977-87, and at George Mason University, where from 1987-2000 he served as a geography professor, chair of the Department of Geography and Earth Systems Science and vice provost for academic affairs. He became provost at the University of Southern Maine in 2000 and served as interim president for the 2007-08 academic year.
To learn more about Wood's academic career, go here to read his C.V. and here to read his academic administrative resume.
Wood appeared on campus during a series of open meetings for members of the UB community to meet the six final candidates for provost, held in February and March. The six finalists were selected by the search committee in consultation with the search firm, and were chosen from an initial field of more than 75 applicants.
The University of Baltimore's provost serves as the institution's chief academic officer and as a senior member of the president's leadership team. The position's responsibilities include implementing the University's vision while ensuring academic excellence; maintaining growth in external funding for research and outreach; and supporting the University’s colleges, schools, academic departments, centers, institutes and professional programs. The provost reports directly to the president and serves as a member of both the president's cabinet and the Executive Committee.