Ithaca College

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Margaret Arnold, Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies in the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, to the position of Special Assistant to the Provost, effective June 1st.

Over the last two years several important positions reporting to the provost or the provost’s office have been left unfilled due to retirements, resignations, or pending reorganization of the office structure.  I have taken several steps towards the reorganization of provost's office staffing in order to ensure that critical areas are appropriately managed, especially while we move forward with the implementation of IC 20/20. Dr. Arnold’s appointment is one of several that I hope to make between now and Commencement in order to have fully in place a provost’s office team that will help ensure continued excellence in the operation of the office.  [See related Intercom stories on Graduate Studies Reorganization and the search for a Director of Research.]

As Special Assistant to the Provost Dr. Arnold will assume responsibilities for the oversight of graduate studies functions that remain under the direct administration of the provost’s office.  She will also be overseeing the development of the new Center for Student Advising and Achievement (an IC 20/20 priority) and other special assignments, similar to those of a Chief of Staff, that are critical to our success in the coming year.  Dr. Arnold brings significant faculty leadership experience to this position, having served on many critical committees across campus and as chair of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.  She has also held two other administrative positions, first as Assistant Dean in the Division of Interdisciplinary and International Studies and this year as Interim Associate Dean in the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance where she has had responsibility for the oversight of HSHP graduate programs, among other things.  Such experiences will help ensure her success in this new role.

This is a one year temporary appointment that runs through May 31st of 2013.  The position and its place within the provost’s office larger structure will be revaluated prior to that end date.