Pearson named associate provost

Chronicle staff

ongtime administrator Susan Pearson has been named associate provost for Development and Faculty Relations. Chancellor David K. Scott and Senior Vice Chancellor and Provost Cora Marrett announced the appointment last week.

     Pearson had been associate chancellor since 1991. In her new role she will continue her responsibility for academic labor relations, which has been transferred to the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor and Provost.

     According to Marrett, Pearson will also coordinate the participation of Academic Affairs in Campaign UMass and other development activities. Marrett said Pearson will work with deans, school and college development officers, and other Advancement staff in articulating development priorities and identifying development opportunities.

     "Susan Pearson has an extraordinary range of experience at the University," said Scott.

     While we will miss her talents and insights in the Chancellor's Office, I feel it is proper that collective bargaining issues for MSP and GEO should reside in the Office of the Provost, just as other bargaining issues are in the area of the vice chancellor for Administration and Finance. Susan has also served my office in outstanding ways on many special projects, including athletics, women in academe, child care, disability issues, and much more. I shall miss her advice and insights, but I believe this reorganization will serve the University well."

     "We are privileged to have Susan Pearson return to Academic Affairs," said Marrett.

     Her involvement will help us significantly as we pursue our plans for the renewal of the faculty and for building the financial base on which that renewal rests."

     Pearson came to the University in 1972. From 1972-76, she held positions in the Library, Department of Political Science, and Center for Business and Economic Research. From 1976-82, she was assistant to the vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and provost. From 1982-90, she was director of Academic Administration. From 1990-91, she was associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

     In her most recent position as associate chancellor, she was responsible for academic collective bargaining and for administering the union contracts for faculty and graduate student employees. She also advised the chancellor on various management policies, intercollegiate athletics, women's issues, including salary equity and sexual harassment, and children and family matters, including child care.