Dean Appointed as the Interim Provost at Vincennes University

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Dean Appointed as the Interim Provost at Vincennes University

A longtime dean has been appointed as the interim provost at Vincennes University, according to an announcement from VU President Dick Helton.
Robert A. Slayton, former dean of the Learning Resources Center, will assume the post. Slayton came to VU in 1972 before retiring this past spring. A state leader in the field of academic libraries and educational technologies, Slayton served three times as president of the board of the Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority and has served on the board of the Academic Libraries of Indiana. He also has been an active participant with the Community College League for Innovation for many years.

Bob brings an extensive knowledge of VU and its faculty and staff to this position. He has been a leader in many of the efforts that have moved VU forward and I have confidence that he will continue to demonstrate such dedication as interim provost, Helton said.

Slayton played a major role in the implementation of educational technology at VU including the establishment of smart classrooms, Blackboard and other on-line learning programs, and the Center for Teaching and Learning and its extensive programming to enhance teaching effectiveness throughout VU.

He also has long been involved in the implementation of professional development programming, grant writing, and administration designed to improve academic excellence. In addition to working with many VU faculty and staff in these efforts, Slayton also has classroom experience, having previously taught political science and history.

The important thing is to keep the focus on the students. That is what made VU what it is today. When I started here in 1972, we did not have the physical resources and infrastructure that we do today but we always had people who were dedicated to teaching and serving the needs of our students. If we dont lose sight of that focus, we will do well, Slayton said.

The long-time dean said he looks forward to serving VU during this transition phase. We have many challenges before us that are on-going over the next months. Enrollment and retention efforts are areas we want to enhance. We have a strategic plan that I was involved with that needs to be implemented. Assessment is an on-going challenge. We also need to match our curriculum and our programs with the marketplace. Even in this economic downturn, there are many jobs that go unfilled because employers cant find people with the right skill set. We need to be very creative, flexible, and innovative in trying to ensure that we have programs and graduates that can help fill that gap, Slayton said.

Slayton holds two masters degrees and a bachelors degree from Indiana State University and an associate degree from El Camino College.
Slayton replaces Dr. Ronald M. Davis, who has accepted a new position at John Wood Community College in Quincy, Ill., effective Oct. 1. Davis will serve as vice president and chief academic officer at John Wood Community College.