Gutmann taps Conn for interim provost

Current Deputy Provost Peter Conn will take over as the University's interim provost at the end of this month, University President Amy Gutmann announced earlier this week. Conn is just one of a string of several administrative appointments Gutmann is looking to fill during her first few weeks as president.

As interim provost, Conn will assume all of current Provost Robert Barchi's responsibilities as he prepares to depart for Thomas Jefferson University, where he will take over as president on Sept. 1. Conn will begin his new duties as Penn's chief academic officer at the end of July.

"Peter's appointment will enable me to move forward -- as I have been from day one -- in a seamless fashion, and really accomplish a lot in the first six months," Gutmann said. "I'm delighted that I'm able to have such an excellent partner," she added.

Conn has been at the University for over 30 years, currently as director of Civic House and deputy provost in addition to serving as a professor in the English department. Before he was appointed to the position of deputy provost in July of 1999, Conn served in a variety of positions, including chair of the American Civilization and English graduate groups, dean of the College and chairperson of the Faculty Senate, among others.

"As a longtime, very proud and loyal citizen at Penn, I am delighted to have a chance to be of assistance at a very exciting time," Conn said. "This is a good time for Penn, and I am very happy to be playing a role."

Conn's position as deputy provost will allow him a smooth transition to the role of interim provost. Having worked closely with Barchi and the deans of Penn's 12 schools in his current position, Conn is already familiar with the workings of the provost's office.

"I think Peter is an outstanding choice," Barchi said of Gutmann's appointment. "He has all the prerequisites that are required -- he's had the experience first of all as my deputy provost, being my primary liaison with both graduate and undergraduate education, as well as with arts and culture -- and has been working with me hand in glove on virtually everything else that the provost does."

"I can't imagine a more qualified person to step in and become the interim provost," Barchi added.

Though Conn refused to speculate on his future after his time as interim provost, Barchi said that he would be an attractive candidate for the University's nationwide search for provost.

"I am sure that Peter would be and has been an outstanding candidate for major leadership roles at this institution and others," Barchi said. "I would assume that Penn would look at him the same way -- I certainly know that other institutions already have."

For now, Gutmann is focused on the immediate future as she continues to keep watch over several large-scale searches at the University. The search for a permanent provost will get underway in September, and Gutmann is still working to find a vice president for development and alumni relations and an executive vice president. At the same time, the School of Arts and Sciences continues its search for a dean to replace current dean Samuel Preston, who will step down in December.

"I don't want to lose any momentum," Gutmann said. "Indeed, my plan is to gain momentum."

Gutmann said that appointing Conn as interim provost will allow her to make significant forward progress while the University conducts a nationwide search for a permanent provost.

"Undergraduate and graduate issues will be very high on my agenda, as well as working with all of the deans of all of the schools in moving their highest priorities forward," Gutmann said.

In his new position, Conn will continue with many of his current duties as deputy provost while also taking on the responsibilities of provost. Some of his responsibilities as deputy provost will be delegated to others at the University.

"In general, my job will be to support Dr. Gutmann as she launches what I am convinced is going to be a very successful presidency," Conn said

Preston said that Conn was a solid choice for interim provost.

"I think he has the experience, and has demonstrated a great deal of competence in his role as deputy provost," Preston said. "This was, I think, far and away the most attractive option available, and I think he'll do a splendid job in the role."

Preston noted the importance of the provost, especially in faculty appointments.

"Probably the single most important task that the provost has to perform is to assist with and give advice on appointments and promotions, and act as the final authority on those appointments," Preston said.

Conn added that he will have an excellent leadership team to aid him as he works with Gutmann on strategic planning, budgeting and other University issues.

"We have what I am convinced is the best collection of deans in the United States," Conn said. "The provost's job is to coordinate, to articulate, to strengthen and to work together with the president on the one hand, deans, faculty and students on the other hand, to move the institution forward."

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