STEVEN PONTIUS SELECTED AS ISU'S
PROVOST, ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT 

Steven K. Pontius, professor of geography at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., has been selected as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Indiana State University, effective July 1. 

"Two things that attracted me to Indiana State were the quality of its academic programs and faculty and its commitment to holistic student development," said Pontius, who said he intends to get input from various constituent groups during his first months on campus.

Pontius served as vice president for academic affairs for four of his five years at Austin Peay. Prior to that he served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1991-1996) and as chair of the geography department (1978-1991) at Radford University (Radford, Va.).

During his tenure as academic vice president at Austin Peay, Pontius implemented an academic reorganization, expanded the enrollment management division and initiated a review of graduate programs, among other things.

"Dr. Pontius is a seasoned administrator with experience as an academic vice president and dean of a College of Arts and Sciences," said President Lloyd W. Benjamin III. "The responsibilities of these roles are diverse and can be very challenging. This experience along with his scholarly background and focus on the importance of general education will serve our university well."

Benjamin also noted Pontius' involvement in international programs, including his service in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

"I think he will bring a global perspective to our curriculum and be an advocate for faculty and student exchange programs," he said. "We look forward to his leadership and vision as we continue the further development of outstanding academic programs and services for ISU students."

A native of Waterloo, Ind., Pontius earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Indiana University, Bloomington, and his doctorate from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

He replaces Richard Wells who resigned to take a position as chancellor at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.

June 20, 2001