In a letter to faculty and members of the Academic, Administrative and Faculty Councils, President Charles M. Vest has said that he intends to appoint the successor to Provost Mark S. Wrighton from the ranks of the MIT faculty, "barring unexpected developments or opportunities." He will move as rapidly as is consistent with careful consultation with the faculty, he said.
Dr. Vest is aiming at having the new provost in place by June 10, the day after commencement.
Until then, Professor Wrighton will continue full time as provost, paying particular attention to day-to-day operational matters, and completing the fiscal year 1996 academic budget. He also will work with the president and the deans to complete the new plan for funding graduate tuition assistance.
President Vest said he is asking the faculty chair, Professor Robert Jaffe, to advise him regarding a small number of faculty members whom he will individually consult about the selection process.
President Vest also said he encourages faculty and administrators to communicate directly with him by letter or e-mail about potential candidates or about any issues or criteria for selection that they believe should be considered with regard to the appointment of the provost.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on April 12, 1995.
