Vermont Business Magazine Patty Prelock has been appointed Provost and Senior Vice President at the University of Vermont. The Board of Trustees confirmed and President Suresh Garimella announced the expected appointment in a letter to the UVM community on Monday. She was named the interim provost last April after David Rosowsky stepped down. Rosowsky served as Provost and Senior Vice President of UVM for six years, but left the position last winter to facilitate a smooth and quick transition of leadership for then President-Designate Suresh Garimella. Prelock was Garimella's choice as interim provost while he was still the president-designate under Tom Sullivan. Garimella took over as president July 1.
The provost is generally the second in command at a university and has responsibility for the university's academics and their funding. UVM's academic standing has been rising for several years and Garimella just announced a zero-tuition increase for next year.
Prelock has served as Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences for 10 years, as Department Chair in the College of Arts and Sciences for eight years, and as a Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders during her years at the University of Vermont.
UVM Provost Patty Prelock
When Prelock took over as interim provost, Scott Thomas served as Interim Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, in addition to his position as Dean of the College of Education and Social Services.
Garimella and the trustees now will set their sights on finding a permanent dean for the College of Nursing.
President Garimella Letter
Dear UVM Community,
I am delighted to share the good news that the Board of Trustees today approved the appointment of Patty Prelock as Provost and Senior Vice President.
Provost Prelock initially was appointed interim provost following an extensive internal search this past spring. That search yielded a good number of outstanding candidates. Following a robust vetting process, Patty was named interim provost. Since she assumed the role in April, she has met and exceeded every expectation. I have consulted with the deans, leadership of the faculty senate, and board leadership. Everyone is supportive and enthusiastic. Given Patty’s outstanding performance and the recent, robust internal search that resulted in her initial appointment, the board and I have decided, with the unanimous support of the senior academic leadership of the university, to appoint Patty as provost and senior vice president, effective immediately.
In light of Patty’s appointment, we soon will launch a national search for a dean of the College of Nursing and Life Sciences.
Please join me in extending warm congratulations to Provost Prelock.
Sincerely,
Suresh V. Garimella
President
November 18, 2019