As Deputy Provost Maria Mora, Ph.D., prepares for her new role as provost of Purdue University Northwest, Provost Laura Niesen de Abruña, Ph.D., has selected Jeffrey Newcomer, Ph.D., dean of the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering and Design, to serve in the interim role effective July 1.
Niesen de Abruña cited Newcomer’s quantitative, budget and analytical thinking skills as well as his experience in faculty affairs in announcing his selection Wednesday. She added that he offers “a fresh perspective from another institution.”
“Dr. Newcomer brings a great deal of experience with him to this position, having served as the chair of the Engineering & Design Department at Western Washington University for 11 years before joining MSU Denver last August,” Niesen de Abruña said.
Newcomer said he is excited to serve in the position, which he says aligns well with his strengths. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Provost Niesen de Abruña, the deans and their budget leads, the AVPs in Academic Affairs and Budget Director (Andrew) Rauch and his staff,” he said. “I hope that I can bring a combination of experience and perspective that will help us improve both our processes and transparency in budgeting.”
Steve Beaty, Ph.D., Computer Sciences chair, will serve as the interim dean of the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering and Design effective July 1.
In announcing the interim appointments to the faculty Wednesday, Niesen de Abruña wished Mora well in her new role and thanked her for her work as deputy and interim provost during the past several years.
