|
July
5, 2001
– (Lexington, Ky.) –
The Executive Committee of the University of Kentucky
Board of Trustees today authorized the first stage
of an administrative reorganization presented by UK
President Lee T. Todd Jr.
Todd
said the new reorganization substantially reduces
the university administration's "top-heaviness." He
also said that over a period of time, the changes,
coupled with recent retirements, would result in an
annual savings of $1.25 million.
Todd
outlined the new administrative structure to Executive
Committee members at a 10 a.m. meeting. Immediately
after the Executive Committee meeting, he rolled out
the changes to UK administrators who were invited
to a session in a theater of the Student Center.
The
president said further changes would be made as the
year continues. The Executive Committee also instructed
Todd to consult with the University Senate about how
the reorganization will affect academic policies and
to bring the completed reorganization plan back to
the UK Board of Trustees at an appropriate time in
the 2001-2002 academic year.
As
part of the reorganization, Todd announced the creation
of two new commissions -- a Commission on the Status
of Women and a Commission for Diversity -- that will
remain active indefinitely and report directly to
him. The Commission on Diversity will be asked to
make recommendations by Dec. 31. The president said
the Commission on Women would be asked to bring recommendations
to him whenever it detects potential inequities. He
said he had already noted the oddity of the university
calling one of its fundraising groups "Fellows" and
calling its events "black tie" sessions.
During
his presentation, Todd declared a 30-day freeze on
new hirings in positions paid for from the general
fund to allow him to consider further changes in the
university's organizational structure.
A principal change in UK management will reduce the
number of officers reporting directly to the president
from eight chancellors and vice presidents under the
former "sector system" to a provost and three vice
presidents.
Todd
said the changes will "tighten and make more effective
and efficient" the administrative processes at the
university. Todd named Michael Nietzel, currently
the dean of UK's graduate studies, as the university's
first provost. Douglass Kalika, senior associate dean
in the Graduate School, will be acting dean of the
Graduate School as Nietzel assumes his new position.
James
Boling, currently vice chancellor for research, was
selected as the new vice president for research. Jack
Blanton, a 26-year UK business officer, will serve
as the senior vice president for administration, and
James Holsinger, current chancellor of the Albert
B. Chandler Medical Center, will have the title senior
vice president of the University of Kentucky and chancellor
of the medical center.
Joe
Fink, director of UK's Advanced Science and Technology
Commercialization Center (ASTeCC), a UK department
that helps faculty members develop start-up companies
from research developed at UK, will serve as the university's
first vice president of corporate relations and economic
outreach. Fink began his career at UK as a faculty
member in the College of Pharmacy.
Todd
said the individuals named to his new management team,
except Holsinger, would serve in an acting capacity
while he launched national searches for permanent
officers. He said the acting officers would be given
consideration as candidates to fill the positions
permanently if they apply.
Three current UK divisions -- athletics, development
and legal counsel -- will continue to report to the
president, as will the new office of vice president
for corporate relations and economic outreach.
The
UK budget operation will change under the revised
administrative structure. Eugene R. Williams will
take on double-duty as vice president for fiscal affairs
and information technology.
A
position of vice provost for planning and institutional
effectiveness was established and will be held by
Constance Ray, currently in the former office of planning
and budget. Karen Combs, a long-time financial officer
in the Chandler Medical Center, will become the new
associate vice president for planning and budget.
Ben
Carr, former vice president for administration, will
assume the role of vice president for auxiliary and
campus services.
|
