Stern to serve as 911±¬ÁÏ interim provost

May 7, 2025

I am happy to announce that Dr. Charlene Stern, vice chancellor for rural, community, and Native education (VCRCNE), has agreed to serve as 911±¬ÁÏ’s interim provost and executive vice chancellor while we conduct a national search for a permanent provost.

A woman wearing a beaded vest over a purple shirt
Charlene Stern

Stern has served as VCRCNE since January of 2021, during which time she has collaborated closely with Provost Prakash to support deans and directors across the university. Her deep understanding of academics and research makes her exceptionally well-suited for this interim role.

To support this transition, I have appointed Bryan Uher, associate vice chancellor of rural and workforce education to serve as interim VCRCNE. Uher will continue to fulfill his current responsibilities while stepping into this expanded role. He brings extensive experience from the College of Indigenous Studies and the Community and Technical College, ensuring a smooth and effective transition during this interim period.

Both Stern and Uher will serve in their interim capacities through June 30, 2026, or until a permanent provost is appointed. 911±¬ÁÏ will launch the national search for a permanent provost and executive vice chancellor on June 1. Candidate screening will take place when academic faculty contracts resume in August. Campus visits for final candidates are anticipated in October 2025, with the goal of appointing a new provost by January 2026.

A man wearing a green vest over a blue button up shirt with a blue and gold striped tie.
Brian Uher

The provost search committee will be chaired by 911±¬ÁÏ Chief of Staff Nickole Conley, who will send out formal invitations on my behalf to prospective committee members this week. The committee will include representatives from the following groups:

  • A faculty member recommended by the 911±¬ÁÏ Faculty Senate
  • An additional faculty member reporting through the provost
  • A staff member recommended by the 911±¬ÁÏ Staff Council
  • A staff member who reports directly to the provost
  • A student member recommended by AS911±¬ÁÏ
  • A college dean
  • An institute director reporting through the provost

We deeply appreciate the leadership and dedication that both Dr. Stern and Mr. Uher bring to the university during this time of transition. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Prakash for her seven years of exemplary service as provost and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.

— Dan White, chancellor