PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University Provost and Academic
Vice President Gretchen Bataille has been named senior vice president and vice
president for academic affairs for the 16-campus University of North Carolina.
Bataille begins her new post March 1, 2000.
“I have both regret at leaving WSU and excitement at the prospect of
contributing to the academic goals of a land-grant system that includes 16
campuses, among them two Research I institutions,” said Bataille. “The state
of North Carolina strongly supports higher education, and the leadership of
UNC is committed to quality and diversity in the teaching and research
missions.”
WSU President Samuel Smith said Bataille would be missed. “She is an
articulate and outstanding scholar who has represented us very well during
her time here,” he said. “I congratulate the UNC system for its obviously
wonderful choice in Gretchen Bataille. She has made significant additions to
scholarship and research at WSU. Gretchen is an extremely capable
administrator with a very strong academic track record.”
Smith said Bataille’s greatest contributions have been to forward the liberal
arts and sciences in a forceful and effective manner within the university
community and to major supporters and donors. He also noted Bataille’s
significant improvement and advancement of diversity programs, in particular
the development of a Native American Advisory Council.
Bataille announced her new position today (Nov. 19) at the WSU Board of
Regents meeting in Seattle. She has been with WSU since 1997.
President Smith said he would begin a search for an interim provost
immediately. He expects to make an appointment by year’s end.
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