Morrisson steps down as U. Life head

Moves to provost's office and CARA TANAMACHI Vice Provost for University Life Kim Morrisson will step down from her post January 1 to become vice provost in the provost's office. Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, currently the University's associate vice president, will assume the duties of acting vice provost for University life for six months in addition to her current position. The permanent position will be filled by the new president and provost after they are chosen. Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson said Morrisson's move from the post she has held for six years had been discussed for "the last couple months." "My sense is that we needed to have more of a focus on planning and policy, and that [Morrisson] was really the ideal person to do that," Lazerson said. The new position, he said, will "free her up" from day-to-day management and allow her to focus on more long-range planning. "The provost's office has needed for a long time someone who concentrates on policy and planning," Lazerson said. "It's a position that's sorely needed, and [Morrisson] is a master at thinking about these things." Morrisson said she readily accepted Lazerson's offer, and does not feel the move is in any way a demotion. "I think it's more a lateral transfer – a reassignment, in a sense," Morrisson said. "In some ways, I'll still be a part of student life. "The beauty of the job is that it will give me more time to think. [That's] a rare treat." Lazerson said Morrisson will, on assuming the position, immediately begin work on residential planning. "It's especially important [to have Morrisson in the position] to think about what our living/learning programs ought to be like in the future," he said. "[Morrisson] will take that up immediately." In addition, Lazerson said, Morrisson will also "think about ways to bring about the undergraduate schools into closer connection to [the offices of] University life and student life activities." "She remains Vice Provost," he added. "It is a change in focus, drawing upon the experiences she's had in University Life these last six and a half years." Morrisson said she is also interested in teaching a freshman seminar or graduate seminar in English. "One thing I'll miss is working directly with students," she said. "That's been one of the most uplifting parts of the job, and I hope to make up for that." Morrisson, who received a doctorate in English from the University, has held many positions here, including assistant ombudsman, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and associate vice provost for University life. Executive Assistant to the Provost Linda Koons said Morrisson had told her she was interested in expanding her "portfolio," and possibly becoming the president of a small college or university sometime down the road. "I think that is a long term goal," Morrisson said. "That's always been a dream of mine." McCoullum, who could not be reached for comment last night, has been at the University since 1978, and has been involved in establishing minority permanence and programs. She will be the first African-American woman to hold this position at an Ivy League school.

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