012 CARLTON WILL REMAIN INTERIM VICE PROVOST

Date: July 27, 2006


Editorial contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Office of Executive Vice President and Provost contact: Faye Johnson, 615-898-2880



(MURFREESBORO) — Dr. Robert Carlton, chairman, MTSU Department of Physics and Astronomy, will continue in his appointment as interim vice provost for research and dean for the College of Graduate Studies, an official in the Office of Executive Vice President and Provost announced July 27.
In making the announcement for the provost’s office, Faye Johnson, assistant to the executive vice president and provost for special initiatives, said, “Having served previously as an interim in this position, Dr. Carlton brings a broad understanding and extensive experience to move the university’s commitment to research and graduate education forward. … We are grateful to Dr. Carlton for his willingness to continue in this position and appreciate his leadership.”
Carlton also served as interim vice provost for research and dean of graduate studies from July 1, 2003, until 2004.
Carlton earned his bachelor’s and master’s from MTSU in 1964 and ’66, respectively, and doctorate from the University of Georgia in 1970. He joined the MTSU faculty in 1968 and became chairman in ’95.
Johnson added that a search committee for the new vice provost and dean position would be appointed at the beginning of the fall semester.
Johnson said the spring search to find a replacement for Dr. Abdul S. Rao was not successful. Rao left to become senior associate vice president for research and graduate studies at USF Health in Tampa, Fla., in November 2005.
Dr. Martha “Mari” Weller, professor, physics and astronomy, is serving as interim chairwoman for the department while Carlton continues in his interim capacity, Dr. Tom Cheatham, dean, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, said.
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For a 170 dpi photo of Carlton, call MTSU News & Public Affairs, 615-898-2919