With a little more than three months left at IU before beginning her new job at the University of Minnesota, Provost and Executive Vice President Karen Hanson has a lot left to accomplish, she said.
From further discussions about the New Academic Directions report to continuing her regular duties, Hanson said she will remain busy until she leaves.
“I’m going to be working full tilt right to the end,” she said. “I made a list — as soon as this change became official — of things I didn’t want to drop the ball on as we were going through this transition.”
Initiatives in the works
- Shaping the New Academic Directions Charter, meaning discussions will continue on the plans outlined in the report, which is available on IU President Michael McRobbie’s website
- Planning the transition of School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation to the School of Public Health
- Submitting an application to the United States National Science Foundation for a grant to implement institutional changes for women in science, technology, engineering or science disciplines
- Looking for the most effective ways to support the work of faculty in humanities and social sciences
- Issues with the IU Press, which include changes in book publishing and the increasing presence of digital media
Goals
Hanson said her goals have changed since she first became provost.
She said much of what she looks to do for the University depends on the context of the situations at hand. There have been significant advances under her leadership, she said, but the task is never complete.
“The thing of it is, there are very general goals for an office like this,” she said. “Things will always be undone. That’s one of the great things about universities: They’re not static enterprises. There’s always more to do.”
Thoughts on remaining time Hanson has served IU for 35 years, both on the faculty and as provost and executive vice president of the campus. She has developed many friendships and connections along the way, she said.
She said she plans to accomplish as much as possible in her time remaining and enjoy the company around her, adding that it will be difficult not to work with the people she has been surrounded by for so long.
“I’m enjoying the last efforts we make together on some of these issues,” she said. “It is bittersweet. I will always care about this university. I’d like to see it thrive and be successful.”
