Scott Coltrane has been selected for the top academic leadership post at the University of Oregon. President Michael Gottfredson announced today that Coltrane has accepted the position of senior vice president and provost following a comprehensive national search.
“I am very enthusiastic about Professor Coltrane assuming responsibility for the academic leadership of the UO. He is an outstanding scholar, an award-winning teacher and an inspired leader,” said Gottfredson.
The provost serves as the chief academic officer of the university, fostering excellence in undergraduate education, graduate education, research, and service to Oregonians. Coltrane has been serving as interim senior vice president and provost and since July 2013.
Prior to his current appointment, Coltrane served as dean of the College for Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon from 2008 to 2013 and as associate dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of California, Riverside, from 2004 to 2008.
“I am extremely pleased to be able to contribute to this great university during a time of transition and incredible opportunity. I am excited to work with the president, faculty, and staff to reach even greater academic heights,” said Coltrane.
Coltrane earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1988 and was a professor of sociology at the University of California Riverside from 1988 to 2008. His research focuses on families, in particular the ways mothers and fathers divide parenting and housework. He is the author of four books and more than 100 articles and chapters. Coltrane received the Distinguished Teaching Award at UC Riverside, is past president of the Pacific Sociological Association, and is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Scott Coltrane CV
In his announcement, Gottfredson praised the academic-planning and priority-setting efforts Coltrane is currently leading on campus and said he is eager to work with Coltrane to advance the university’s mission of access and excellence.
The University of Oregon undertook the search for a new provost in the spring of 2013. A search firm helped conduct a national recruitment effort that yielded about 200 applicants for review. The 20-member UO search committee narrowed the group to 25 candidates for consideration. The committee conducted initial interviews with 11 semi-finalists. Finalists were invited to campus to participate in a series of campus interviews, including a public presentation and campus feedback process. Gottfredson thanked search chair Alexander Murphy, a professor of geography, and the entire search committee for their efforts.
Professor W. Andrew Marcus will serve as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences while a permanent replacement is sought.
- by Jennifer Winters, Office of Strategic Communications
Related Link: Provost hosts discussion on setting academic priorities