UNC provost and chief academic officer Chris Clemens will step down from his role on May 16, chancellor Lee Roberts announced Thursday afternoon. Clemens will return to his position as the Jaroslav Folda Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy, a role he served before becoming provost in 2021.

“For more than three years, Chris has dedicated himself to academic excellence,” Roberts said, “and I am grateful for his leadership and commitment to our students, faculty and staff.”

As provost, Clemens established both the UNC School of Data Science and the School of Civic Life and Leadership.

“An astrophysicist to the core, I know Chris is excited to return to our faculty,” said Roberts. “He is an invaluable adviser and friend to me, and I look forward to his continued excellence in teaching, research and leadership.”

In Clemens’ stead, Roberts has appointed Jim Dean as interim provost while the school embarks on a national search for a full-time replacement. Dean was previously provost from 2013 through 2017, and also served as dean of UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School from 2008 to 2013. Most recently, Dean was president of the University of New Hampshire before retiring last June.

 

Featured image via UNC-Chapel Hill/Johnny Andrews

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