Moving Forward

Grand Valley's chief academic officer outlined her goals for the upcoming year during Convocation, which marked her first speech before an assembled faculty.

Provost Gayle Davis said she looks forward to leading the university's strategic planning process and continuing to build Grand Valley's academic reputation. Click here to watch her address in streaming video.

'Last year you got a new president, and this year, you're wondering, 'Who is this new provost?'' she said. 'I can tell you I'm pleased with the campus' strategic planning effort and plan to devote time to lead [that process].'

Davis, who began her tenure at Grand Valley on July 1, said once the plan is finalized it will help 'guide the progress' of determining the university's academic and curriculum standards, as well as its size and character.

She also said it's important remember the learning and scholarship that accompanies each new campus building or renovation project.

During her address on August 23 in the Fieldhouse, Davis found moving and transition an appropriate theme. She asked other newcomers in the audience to stand, then asked veteran Grand Valley faculty, staff, and students to stand.

'There is a lot of displacement at the beginning of a new semester,' she said and called on faculty and students to 'grow and stretch together.'

Cliff Welch, associate history professor, addressed the audience for the first time as chairman of the University Academic Senate. During his remarks, Welch called on administrators and faculty members to continue to work toward 'shared governance' of the university.

He expressed concern about the number of adjunct and visiting professors on campus, and said the number of 'regular' faculty members ¿ which he cited at 60 percent ¿ was too low.

The Outstanding Teacher Award was presented to Brian White, associate professor of English, who joined Grand Valley in 1990. David Rathbun, professor of communications, received the Outstanding University Service Award, and Library Director Lee Lebbin was recognized as the Administrative/Professional Achievement recipient.

Barbara Roos, Laura VanderBroek, and James Walker were recognized as 25-year faculty members.