Q&A with Executive Vice President and Provost Gloria Gibson

On July 1, Gloria Gibson became the University of Northern Iowa's executive vice president and provost.

Gibson was formerly the dean of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and professor in the Department of English, Folklore and Ethnomusicology at Arkansas State University.

UM&PR had an opportunity to ask Provost Gibson a few questions as she gets acclimated to life at UNI.

What is your first impression of UNI?
UNI is a dynamic place to work.

What is your first priority on the job?
I want to meet as many people as possible and begin to understand the culture of UNI.

What do you think are the most important aspects of the Provost’s role at the university?
The most important aspects of the provost’s office are to:  1) provide leadership in shaping the academic mission; 2) oversee academic policies and activities throughout the university; 3) encourage and foster campus collaborations that contribute to the academic life; and 4) seek outreach partnerships that will enhance UNI’s relationship with various constituencies and community groups. 

What role do you feel our faculty and staff have in advancing the academic pursuits of the university?

Faculty and staff play a very important role in advancing the academic pursuits of the university; they function as the heartbeat of the university. We all work diligently to contribute to the success of our students.

UNI has recently undergone an academic program assessment. How do you plan to get up to speed on this initiative?
Jim Lubker, who served as interim provost for four years, has been very supportive and helpful. I’ve had several meetings with him and he left meeting notes, task force reports and detailed recommendations for me. Conversations with Jim, along with the accompanying materials, have been crucial to my understanding of the academic program assessment process.

If you could name three characteristics that describe yourself, what would they be?
I’m a person of integrity, with a sense of humor and sensitive to the needs of others.

Coming from warmer weather, what winter wonderland activities are you most looking forward to? And, the least?
I’ve never tried cross-country skiing. I understand it is a great workout. I am anxious to try it. When driving, I hate getting stuck in the snow or ice. I hope that doesn’t happen.

Welcome Provost Gibson to the UNI family via e-mail at gloria.gibson@uni.edu.