Welcome Kevin Corcoran as Interim Provost
May 2024
In times of transition, we turn to a trusted and respected friend.
Please join me in welcoming Kevin Corcoran, Ph. D., back to Oakland University to serve as interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Kevin’s tenure will begin Monday, July 8.
And, please join me in wishing outgoing Provost Britt Rios-Ellis the best of luck as she assumes her new position as president of California State University, Stanislaus. On behalf of the Oakland community, thank you, Britt, for your dedication to our mission. We deeply appreciate your tireless work on behalf of our students, faculty and staff.
Our incoming interim provost brings great experience, knowledge, competencies and familiarity with Oakland University, and specifically, with various aspects of Academic Affairs. In addition, Kevin’s inclusive style and proven track record will make him highly successful in this interim role while we search for our permanent replacement provost.
As former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Kevin has a distinguished record of accomplishment, leadership and engagement, and has reputation for integrity and successful collaboration with the faculty, OU leadership, alumni and the regional community, especially his work in helping initiate and elevate the OU-Pontiac Initiative.
My deep appreciation to the other excellence candidates who were considered for the interim provost position. Each is so talented, and demonstrate a deep commitment to our university. It is an encouraging sign that the selection of the new leader of Academic Affairs was very difficult because of the extraordinary talented pool in which to choose.
Update on Provost Search
On Thursday, the search committee held its first meeting. The search is led by Glenn McIntosh, senior vice present of Student Affairs/Chief Diversity Officer. At yesterday’s meeting, the 19-member committee received the formal charge to conduct a rigorous and confidential process to find the best possible candidate to serve at Oakland’s next provost.
We are not setting a deadline for hiring the next provost. The most prudent approach is to allow the strength of the candidates determine when to make the hire. In reality, it may take a year before the position is filled, and if so, we know we are in extremely capable hands until then.
On Monday, a “Provost Search” webpage will be live, and include information and updates on the search.
Finally, I want to express my deep appreciation to the Academic Affairs staff. We are so fortunate to have such an outstanding team committed to making Oakland one of the finest academic institutions in the country. Their work is the backbone of our university, and their tireless efforts do not go unnoticed.
Please send your best wishes to Kevin, who, by the way, will begin his new position after he comes back from a family vacation in late June. Rest up, Kevin, it’s time to get back to work. You’re back at Oakland.
And we welcome you with open arms.