It is with profound respect and appreciation that I announce that Provost Chula King has asked to return to the faculty. Dr. King has been the driving force behind academic visioning, review of general studies, the success of the 2008-12 UWF Strategic Plan, assessment and SACS accreditation, the BOG annual plan and work plan, and many more initiatives.

During her tenure as provost, the University of West Florida has experienced some of the most turbulent financial times in our history, yet we've made tremendous progress. This is in no small part attributable to our provost. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude for her service.

Dr. King will conclude her service as provost at the end of the fall semester. She will take a sabbatical and then return to the faculty or an administrative post. I look forward to joining all of you to celebrate her many contributions at a farewell event, and I hope you will join me in wishing her well in her next endeavors. She has made a tremendous mark on Academic Affairs and the University of West Florida.

Dr. King's step-down will impact us all. It will be felt across the institution. However, we have great momentum at UWF, and we must continue in earnest. Academic visioning is now complete. Our new strategic plan will soon be drafted. Strategic budgeting and resource allocation is on the horizon, and our campus master plan is being updated.

We must continue all of this great work and not miss a beat in our progress. I believe the best course of action is to utilize an external organization, The Registry, to bring in an interim provost while we conduct a national search for provost. This process will begin immediately. I ask for your continued support as we work through the transition.

Again, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Provost Chula King for her service and contributions.

Sincerely,

Judy Bense

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