New Interim Provost, VP-MACE named

New VP of Multicultural Affairs Kimberly Barrett and Interim Provost Thomas Sudkamp

Two prominent changes were made at the administrative level in the 2011­–12 academic year including Thomas Sudkamp, Ph.D., agreeing to serve as interim provost.

Sudkamp, who had been serving as associate provost for undergraduate studies and the University College, is a 30-year professor at Wright State. He is a former president of the faculty and chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with our faculty, leadership, and the entire campus community as the interim provost,” said Sudkamp. “In spite of the many challenges facing higher education today, Wright State is in the position to make a significant step forward because of the quality of our faculty and our programs, the growing recognition of our scholarship and research, and our commitment to our students and community.”

Sudkamp follows Steven R. Angle, who was provost since 2007 and is now working on a statewide initiative to improve college graduation rates as a Wright State senior vice president.

A national search is underway with a goal of hiring the next provost on or by July 1, 2013.

Also at the cabinet level, Kimberly Barrett, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs at the University of Montevallo in Alabama, joined Wright State as vice president for multicultural affairs and community engagement.

“My vision for the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Community Engagement is to use innovative approaches to diversity and inclusion to help all members of the campus and community achieve excellence in their various endeavors,” said Barrett. “Whether recruiting a student body and workforce that reflects the diversity of our global community, enhancing student learning, producing cutting-edge research or other important work of the university and its partners, taking an inclusive and just approach can make it better.”

Barrett has more than 20 years of experience providing services to students and working with faculty, governing boards, community members, and others to promote learning, student development, social justice, and diversity.

In her position at Wright State, Barrett plans to have a hands-on role in continuing to promote and nourish diversity, multiculturalism, and community engagement. For three straight years, Wright State has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its support of volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement.

“Dr. Barrett has the background and experience to be a visionary leader who can take the university’s strong history of diversity to new heights,” said Wright State President David R. Hopkins. “She will help create initiatives that celebrate our differences and honor our diversity as a source of strength and excellence.”

Barrett has been VP for student affairs at Montevallo since 2008. She has provided services in support of student learning and has supervised housing and residence life, disability support, multicultural affairs, and other student life offices.