University of Kentucky - Office of the Provost

Dr. Kumble R. Subbaswamy

105 Main Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0032
Phone: (859) 257-2911
Fax: (859) 257-1333

Kumble R. Subbaswamy became the second Provost of the University of Kentucky on July 1, 2006. Dr. Subbaswamy, who is known on campus as “Swamy”, completed his undergraduate studies in India and came to Indiana University, Bloomington in the U.S. as a graduate student in 1971. He completed his Ph.D. in theoretical condensed matter physics in 1976. After serving as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of California, Irvine, Dr. Subbaswamy began his long relationship with the University of Kentucky when he joined the physics faculty here in 1978. His primary research area as a physicist was the optical properties of novel materials, and nonlinear excitations; he has published more than 60 research articles and co-authored a monograph. Dr. Subbaswamy was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 1989. During his first eighteen years at the University of Kentucky, he served as Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and as Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. In 1997, he was recruited away to join the University of Miami as the Dean of Arts and Sciences. He returned to Indiana University in July 2000 as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, remaining in that position until 2006. There he oversaw the development of many new programs (e.g., international studies, biotechnology) and a major reinvestment in the life sciences. During this time, he was active in the Committee for Institutional Cooperation (Big 10), and a coordinator of the Association of American Universities Arts & Sciences Deans’ group. He was very active in economic development efforts based on biotechnology in Central Indiana.

As Provost, Dr. Subbaswamy has prioritized and provided leadership in several key areas aimed at strengthening the University’s academic mission and furthering its advancement toward Top 20. These have included strategic focus on UK’s undergraduate education program through improvements to student retention and success, and reform of the university’s general education curriculum. Support of faculty through improvements to the tenure and promotion process and the enhancement of worklife benefits has also been a priority. Other priority areas include interdisciplinary research and training; internationalization; diversity and inclusion; and strategic planning and assessment.

Dr. Subbaswamy participates actively in national and international organizations, speaking on behalf of UK and its issues. He has served as a member of the Board of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and as Board Chair of the South Eastern Conference Academic Consortium. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors. He provides invited lectures nationally and internationally for groups including the American Council on Education, and has represented the U.S. at the German Fulbright European Higher Education Summit in Berlin.

Curriculum Vitae

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On July 5, 2001, the University of Kentucky was reorganized into a Provost Model (see AR 1:1). The objective of the reorganization was to integrate and centralize the academic, research and financial missions of the University. The Provost Model includes a Provost, an Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, and an Executive Vice President for Health Affairs.

The Provost is the chief academic officer for the University and oversees the research activities of the University. The primary responsibilities associated with the position include:

The Provost is the chief academic officer for the University, providing oversight, general direction, and coordination of all academic affairs of the colleges, academic programs, and student affairs for the University. The Provost reviews the quality and effectiveness of the academic programs and prioritizes new and continuing educational needs, initiatives, and opportunities for the University. The Provost also provides general planning, guidance, review, and coordination for all of the University's endeavors in graduate education.
The Provost provides oversight, general direction, and coordination of the student affairs activities of the colleges, academic programs, and student services for the University. Student services include Financial Aid, Admissions, Recruitment, Counseling and Testing, the Registrar, and University Health Services. Student Affairs includes major non-academic activities and programs such as residential life, student activities, career services, counseling services, and the Student Center.
The Provost is responsible for faculty employee functions, maintains the official academic records of all faculty members, and has the authority to manage the employment (recruitment and appointment), promotion, tenure, termination, and leave approval for the faculty. The Provost reviews and recommends to the President and the Board on faculty appointment, reappointment, and tenure. In the exercise of these functions the Provost is subject to University policies and procedures. Certain faculty employee actions also require approval by the President and the Board of Trustees.
The Provost oversees the research activities of the University. As such, the Provost is responsible for ensuring the growth and development of the University’s research programs and facilitates the University’s role as a major research institution. The Provost provides oversight for research multidisciplinary centers and institutes, research support units, and program assistance to individual faculty and academic research units. The Provost is responsible for ensuring University compliance with governmental regulations relating to the conduct of research.

View Provost Organizational Chart (PDF)