New VP appointed

A University of Montana administrator and former Emporia State University vice president will become WSU’s new vice president for academic affairs and research, President Beggs announced earlier this week.

Robert Kindrick, provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Montana since 1991, will assume his new responsibilities at Wichita State Aug. 1. Kindrick was the top pick after a rigorous process involving 43 applications and nominations.

The search process started after Bobby Patton resigned to become president of Central Missouri State University. Peter Zoller, interim vice president for academic affairs, will continue to serve in that capacity until Kindrick’s arrival.

"His previous positive experience as chief academic officer impressed me and the faculty," Beggs said.

"Clearly he respects and values the importance of academics and scholarship, and he has been successful as a chief academic officer.

"Dr. Kindrick wants to create as positive an environment as he can for faculty and students."

"Faculty are the linchpin in what we do," Kindrick said. "My goal is to help them improve research and teaching." While he’ll lead the faculty in his role, he also plans to become part of the faculty by teaching courses.

Kindrick earned a doctorate in English (medieval literature) in 1971 from the University of Texas at Austin. He received a master’s in English (Renaissance literature) from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and a bachelor of arts in 1964 in English and political science from Park College (Mo.).