Provost Tony Vizzini taking leave; Rick Muma will serve as interim
Tony Vizzini is in his fifth year as chief academic officer, which is a normal career point to consider new positions. He will be on authorized leave during spring semester to focus on his professional goals. Tony will be available to wrap up some matters and advise us, but he will not be involved in daily operations.
As many of you know first-hand, Tony is a wonderful colleague. I have treasured his leadership, critical thinking, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. He can take a great deal of pride in the people and programs he has brought to WSU and how he has helped WSU to reach new levels of excellence since his arrival in 2013.
I'm pleased that Rick Muma has agreed to serve as the interim, effective Monday, Jan. 8. In his 22 years as a faculty member, department chair and most recently as senior associate vice president for academic affairs, Rick has proven himself a highly capable leader in major matters including HLC reaccreditation, WATC affiliation and strategic enrollment management. I've asked him to sustain the strong momentum in Academic Affairs during his time in this interim role.
Over the next several weeks I plan to consult with deans, constituent group heads and other appropriate individuals on a national search process for a new chief academic officer. If you have thoughts on the search, please email me, president@wichita.edu.