Una Begins Search For New Provost As Thornell Returns To Classroom
Nov. 17, 2016
Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033
Bryan Rachal, University Communications
FLORENCE, Ala. - Dr. John Thornell has announced that he will step down as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs (VPAA/Provost) for the University of North Alabama, a position he has held for seven years.
Thornell informed UNA president Dr. Ken Kitts earlier this semester of his desire to return to the teaching ranks at the end of the academic year. Thornell said his time at UNA has been the best in his long career.
"I value the relationships created, the accomplishments achieved as a university community, the emphasis on the performing arts, and an amazing sense of collegiality that pervades this wonderful campus. Not surprisingly, my wife and I plan to retire in Florence," Thornell said.
With Thornell's departure, UNA will look to fill the important role. UNA is an institution that follows the provost model, which places the position in a senior role second only to the president. This underscores the primacy of academics in the administrative hierarchy.
The University has already posted the position. The new VPAA/Provost will serve as the chief academic officer for the institution and will report directly to the president. Additionally, the VPAA/Provost is responsible for the oversight and improvement of all academic programs at UNA. And in the absence of the president, the VPAA/Provost serves as the chief executive officer on a temporary basis.
For the position description or to apply: https://jobs.una.edu/postings/4292
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA
The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Sciences, and the Anderson College of Nursing. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Tuscumbia, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals. UNA also operates a renowned collegiate athletic program in NCAA Division II's Gulf South Conference. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age or national origin.