Gloria J. Gibson named UNI
executive vice president and provost
Gloria J. Gibson has been named executive vice president and provost at the University of Northern Iowa, pending official approval by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. Gibson is currently dean of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and professor in the Department of English, Folklore and Ethnomusicology at Arkansas State University. She will assume her new duties at UNI on July 1.
"Dr. Gibson brings a strong background in academic leadership, scholarship, outreach, innovative thinking and a strong commitment to providing all students with a quality education," said UNI President Ben Allen. "I look forward to working with her to ensure the highest level of academic quality and excellence in all programs and services at UNI."
Gibson earned her doctorate in folklore, with an ethnomusicology concentration from Indiana University in 1987. She also has Ph.D. minors in Afro-American studies and African studies. She holds an M.A. and B.A. in music education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Ill. During her 18 years at Indiana University, she was an assistant and associate professor in the Department of Afro-American Studies and Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology. She also held the positions of director, Archives of Traditional Music, and associate vice chancellor, Office of Multicultural Affairs.
"I am extremely happy to serve as the next executive vice president and provost at UNI," said Gibson. "I look forward to working with the university and community to help lead UNI to an even higher level of academic excellence and national prominence."
The executive vice president and provost provides vision for academic excellence, guides the academic planning and assessment of university academic programs and provides administrative leadership and organization for all the academic components of the university.
Gibson will receive a $210,000 annual salary. She replaces James Lubker, who has served in an interim position since 2005.
Other finalists for the position included James Mackin, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania; Gary Olson, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Illinois State University; and Hector Flores, dean and professor of biology in the College of Science, Texas State University in San Marcos.