July 19, 2005
SIUC names Calhoun associate provost
Thomas C. Calhoun
Calhoun's appointment is subject to ratification by the SIU Board of Trustees. Calhoun begins his duties Aug. 1.
"I am of course very pleased with Dr. Calhoun's appointment," Dunn said. "He has impressive credentials and I am delighted that he is willing to direct his energy and talent to issues and programs central to the academic mission of the university. The screening committee and others who interviewed Dr. Calhoun were enthusiastic and positive regarding his appointment."
The associate provost for academic affairs has primary responsibility for assisting the provost in the oversight and management of the university's academic and curricular activities.
Calhoun, 58, of Carbondale, has been with the University since the fall of 2001 and has served as department chair since 2003.
Calhoun said he is honored to be selected, and looks forward to "joining a team of committed people who are interested in furthering the mission of the University." Among his jobs while at SIUC is serving as chair of the Academic Program Review Committee for the Graduate Council, and as co-chair of the student and academic subcommittee of the Chancellor's Agility and Efficiency Task Force.
Calhoun has more than 30 years experience as an instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and professor.
Prior to coming to SIUC, Calhoun served in several administrative positions while at the University of Nebraska from 1996 to 2001, including interim assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs and director of summer sessions from 2000 to 2001. He was director of the Institute for Ethnic Studies from 1998 to 2000; an associate professor in the university's department of sociology and African American studies, 1997 to 2001; special assistant to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, 1997-1998, and assistant professor in the sociology department from 1996 to 1997.
Calhoun also has experience as an instructor at Ohio University, Western Kentucky University, Old Dominion University and Mount Union College.
Calhoun earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Texas Wesleyan College in 1970, and a master's degree in sociology from Texas Tech University in 1971. He earned a doctorate in sociology from the University of Kentucky in 1988.
Recruiting and retaining high-quality faculty and staff is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.