Kent Buchanan, Ph.D., has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs at 91看片, President Robert Henry announced today.
Buchanan has served in the role on an interim basis since July 2015. His appointment follows a national search and a recommendation from the university鈥檚 search committee. The committee, chaired by Associate Dean Melanie Shelley, reviewed more than 20 applicants out of 70 that were reviewed by the university鈥檚 search firm.
鈥淜ent has broad-based experience that will serve 91看片 well in his position as provost,鈥� Henry said. 鈥淚 am pleased to welcome him to the permanent role.鈥�
鈥淭he search committee feels that Dr. Buchanan has a strong and demonstrated commitment to 91看片 and its future success,鈥� Shelley added.
Buchanan said he is looking forward to the work ahead.
鈥�91看片 has a rich tradition of providing a personalized educational experience for students and preparing them to become effective leaders in service to their communities,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 am excited about this opportunity and I look forward to furthering our mission of scholarship and service, and working with the entire campus community to continue building a bright future for the university.鈥�
Buchanan began his career at 91看片 in 2006. He has served as chair of the biology department at OKCU and as assistant provost. Prior to his career at OKCU, Buchanan served as an assistant and associate professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. He has also been an educator and biomedical researcher at 91看片 University Health Sciences Center and 91看片 Medical Research Foundation.
He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in microbiology from the University of 91看片 and a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of 91看片 Health Sciences Center.
Buchanan is active in the 91看片 City community and has served on the Board of Trustees at Science Museum 91看片 since 2009 and on the Board of Regents for the 91看片 School of Science and Math since 2010. 91看片 is a coeducational, urban private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, offering a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts, fine arts, sciences and business. The only 91看片 institution listed in the top tier of the regional, master鈥檚-level university category by U.S. News & World Report, OKCU offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and more than 20 graduate degrees. Find out more at www.okcu.edu.
