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Oct. 28, 2004

Nielsen, Dean of Natural Resources, Named Interim Provost

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Larry A. Nielsen

Dr. Larry A. Nielsen of Cary, dean of the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University, has been named interim provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the university, effective Jan. 1.

“Dean Nielsen is a well-known and respected leader on and off campus,” said Dr. James L. Oblinger, chancellor-designate of the university, who announced the decision. “He understands NC State’s land-grant mission, and our university’s commitment to students and to the state. It is important to have someone of his caliber to fill this position while we conduct a national search for our new provost.”

Oblinger, who officially becomes chancellor, effective Jan. 1, has served as NC State’s provost since May 2003.

Nielsen will serve as the university’s chief academic officer until a permanent provost is appointed. He will not be a candidate for the position. Dr. J.B. Jett, associate dean for research and extension, will serve as acting dean of the College of Natural Resources during the transition.

An expert on sustainable resource management and natural resource education, Nielsen has served as an NC State dean since August 2001. He also serves as the chairman of the Campus Environmental Sustainability Team, a group of faculty, staff and students who develop strategic sustainability plans for the university.

Prior to his arrival at NC State, Nielsen served as director of the Penn State School of Forest Resources for seven years. From 1977 to 1994, he was a faculty member at Virginia Tech, serving the last five years as head of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences.

Nielsen earned his doctoral degree in fisheries biology from Cornell University in 1978, and his master’s degree in the same discipline from the University of Missouri in 1974. His 1970 undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois was in honors biology. He is a certified fisheries scientist, a fellow of the American Institute of Natural Fisheries Biologists and honorary member of the American Fisheries Society.

Oblinger also announced the provost nomination committee:

Charles D. Leffler, chair, vice chancellor for finance and business
Nina S. Allen, chair elect, Faculty Senate, professor of botany
Keith R. Beck, professor and head of textile engineering, chemistry and science
Bruce C. Branson, associate professor of accounting
Allen L. Cannedy, clinical assistant professor of farm animal health and resource management.
A. Tony Caravano, student body president
Dennis M. Daley, chair of the faculty, professor of political science and public administration.
Meredith J. Davis, professor of graphic design
Michael A. Davis, assistant vice chancellor for university extension
Carol K. Hall, Alcoa Professor of Chemical Engineering
William C. Kimler, associate professor of history
Laura D. Massengill, chair, Staff Senate
Jose A. Picart, vice provost for diversity and african american affairs
V. Kerry Smith, University Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Daniel L. Solomon, dean, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Samuel S. Snyder, associate dean for research and graduate studies, College of Education
J. Doug Wellman, professor and head of parks, recreation and tourism management

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