Veteran faculty members join WSU provost’s office

Austin

Rose

PULLMAN, Wash. – Long-time Professors Erica Austin and Jerman Rose are the newest additions to the Washington State University provost’s office, as a result of recent appointments by Interim Provost Dan Bernardo.

“Both Dr. Austin and Dr. Rose are leaders within their fields of expertise nationally, their colleges and the university,” Bernardo said. “In addition, they are respected faculty leaders with significant administrative experience. Bringing those skills to bear will help us progress toward our goals in the provost’s office.”

The provost’s office underwent major changes last spring with the retirement of Larry James, former vice provost for academic affairs, and Ken Vreeland, former special assistant to the provost and executive vice president.

Former Provost Warwick Bayly returned to the College of Veterinary Medicine in May; Bernardo was named interim provost and executive vice president.

Austin is the new interim vice provost for academic affairs. She will focus on a variety of projects, including development of the process to update the institution’s strategic plans, new student retention initiatives and the university’s accreditation process. She is a professor in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and director of the Murrow Center for Media and Health Promotion. Her research interests focus on the uses and effects of communication in decision-making and social development, particularly in the areas of politics and health.

Rose will serve as interim special assistant to the provost. In addition to tackling a number of special projects in this capacity, he will also be serving as interim vice provost for International Programs in light of Prema Arasu’s departure from the institution.

Rose is a clinical professor and director of WSU’s International Business Institute in the College of Business. A Fulbright Scholar in 2004, he joined WSU in 1987; his work focuses on international entrepreneurship and small business issues.