The new provost of the University of Arizona announced his resignation just months after being selected for the position.
Joseph Glover, who began serving as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs – the university’s second-highest position – on July 1, was selected in April after a months-long nationwide search.
Glover’s resignation came on the heels of the Arizona Board of Regents hiring Suresh Garimella as the university’s new president on Friday, August 9.
Mitch Zak, the UA’s chief spokesperson, said in a statement to Arizona Luminaria that “an interim provost will be appointed in the coming weeks.”
Former interim provost Ron Marx said the announcement was unexpected.
“I was as surprised as anyone else by the news of Provost Glover’s announced departure,” Marx wrote in an email to Arizona Luminaria.
Glover was hired by outgoing President Robert Robbins, who stated he would resign when a new president was elected.
During the search for a new provost, more than 100 faculty members and students wrote a letter supporting another finalist, Marie Hardin, and calling Glover a “divisive candidate,” contributing to a growing rift between faculty and leadership in the spring.
The leadership change at UA follows a financial crisis that resulted in Robbins’ resignation and that of several others, including that of the university’s chief financial officer, Lisa Rulney.
Glover is returning to the University of Florida, where he previously served as provost for 15 years, to “bring his expertise” as the university undergoes “major change,” according to an email sent Tuesday to students and staff.
In his announcement, Glover said he regrets that he “will not have the opportunity to work with President Garimella and realize his vision for the University of Arkansas,” and called Garimella an “outstanding choice” to lead the university.
Glover acknowledged that his resignation was so sudden and said he would work with the UA on the transition. “I recognize that my departure comes shortly after I assumed office and just before the start of the fall semester. I will work with university leadership to support my successor and ensure a smooth transition in the coming weeks.”
Zak said the university “thanks Provost Joseph Glover for his time at the university.”
A year with significant leadership changes
Here is a timeline of changes to the UA leadership team.
May 2023 – Liesl Folks, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, resigned after serving as provost since 2019. Former dean Ronald Marx became interim provost. UA Police Chief Paula Balafas also resigned. She was replaced by Chris Olson. Betsy Cantwell also resigned her position as senior vice president for research and innovation. Elliott Cheu is filling that position in the interim.
December 2023 – Lisa Rulney, UA’s chief financial officer and senior vice president for business affairs, resigned. John Arnold took over. He previously served as executive director of the Arizona Board of Regents.
January 2024 – Dave Heeke resigned as athletic director. Former UA softball coach Mike Candrea served as interim director until the UA hired Desireé Reed-Francois for the role.
February 2024 – Fred DuVal resigns as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Cecilia Mata takes over as Chair.
April 2024 – University of Arizona President Robert Robbins announced that he will step down at the end of his employment contract in 2026 or when a new president is hired. The university also announced that Joseph Glover will be the next provost, replacing Folks.
July 1, 2024 – Joseph Glover begins his tenure as UA provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
August 9, 2024 – The Arizona Board of Regents announces Suresh Garimella as the next president of the University of Arizona.
August 13, 2024 – Glover announces his retirement.
Correction: Alain-Philippe Durand, dean of the College of Humanities, and Joellen Russell, department head of geosciences, co-chaired the search committee that helped hire Glover.
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