Academic Leadership Transitions April 17, 2018

To our JU Campus Community:

As is customary this time of year as we move toward Commencement and the conclusion of our academic year, we hold discussions with our faculty and staff leadership to outline a well-coordinated plan for the upcoming year. As a result of these discussions, we will be putting in place new leadership in several key positions. Here is the update.

Upon the planned 6-month sabbatical of Dr. Donnie Horner this May and his January 2019 return to full-time professorial duties in the Davis College of Business (DCOB), I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Chris Sapienza as Jacksonville University’s interim Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs. I thank the Faculty Executive Committee, Deans, Associate Provosts, and Dr. Horner for their thoughtful guidance and consultation on this appointment, consistent with our Faculty Bylaws. Dr. Sapienza has proven to be an exceptional leader and academician as Dean of the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences (BRCHS), and an outstanding advocate for the University in academic circles and in the community. I am grateful for her acceptance of this important position, and we look forward to her leadership in this new role.

Dr. Sapienza will begin her transition with Dr. Horner this week and will assume full responsibilities for the position beginning May 1, 2018. A search committee will be formed, and a national search for Provost will commence following the 2018-2019 academic year with a permanent appointment expected by July 1, 2020. Dr. Sapienza will be invited to be considered in that broader search, should she so choose. We will follow our Bylaws and expect to name the interim Dean of BRCHS shortly, after consultation with faculty.

In our College of Arts and Sciences, we thank Dr. Sandra Coyle for her efforts in leading our largest college and for preparing it for new leadership in the future. A search committee for this important position will be formed later this summer with an appointment expected by July 1, 2019. Dr. Coyle will continue in her interim role until that time, and will be invited to be considered for the permanent position, if she so chooses.

Upon the previously-announced retirement of Dr. Henry Rinne, the College of Fine Arts is likewise appointing interim leadership in preparation for a national search for a permanent selection. With deep appreciation to the college’s faculty and University academic leadership for their input, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tim Snyder as interim Dean of the College of Fine Arts following an orderly near-term transition with Dr. Rinne, effective July 1, 2018. Dr. Snyder has served well as Chair for the Department of Music, and, under his direction, the department has seen encouraging growth and development. A search committee will be formed shortly, and a national search will begin this fall with a permanent appointee anticipated by July 1, 2019. Dr. Snyder will be invited to be considered for the permanent position, if he so chooses.

Finally, Dr. Bill Crosby, Associate Provost, has requested the first sabbatical in his stellar 25-year career here. With respect and admiration for Dr. Crosby, I have agreed to this request and note that this will become effective May 1, 2018. I am very pleased to report that Dr. Crosby will return to us and his professorial duties in DCOB in January 2019, and – hopefully – for several more years of exemplary service.

I personally thank Drs. Horner, Sapienza, Coyle, Rinne, Snyder, Crosby, and our dedicated faculty and faculty leadership for their constructive guidance in creating a smooth transition during this exciting period in our history. There are many considerations to be weighed regarding the timing and cadence of these important leadership positions. We have gained the perspective of many of our very best people in academic leadership before coming to these final decisions. The active engagement of so many, and the spirit of partnership and improvement, should provide us all with confidence in our path forward.

Thank you to all members of our campus community for your hard work and dedication to our students’ success as we conclude another successful academic year and move decisively toward our bright future.

With my thanks,

Tim Cost
President
Jacksonville University
Class of 1981