Contact: John Hudzik, International Studies and Programs, (517) 355-2352, hudzik@msu.edu; or Tom Oswald, University Relations, (517) 355-2281, oswald@msu.edu
10/28/2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. � John Hudzik, long-serving dean of International Studies and Programs (ISP) at Michigan State University, has been recommended to serve as the university�s acting provost.
Current MSU Provost Lou Anna K. Simon, acting in her capacity as the university�s president designate, is recommending Hudzik�s appointment for consideration by the MSU Board of Trustees at its Nov. 12 meeting.
Hudzik, who has served as dean of MSU International Studies and Programs since 1998, would succeed Simon, who will assume the MSU presidency Jan. 1, 2005.
The provost is the university�s vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer.
The recommendation of Hudzik as acting provost follows an internal search process that was endorsed by academic governance. Hudzik was recommended by a search committee composed of Stephen Lacy, professor of journalism and committee chairperson; Janie Fouke, dean of the College of Engineering; Robert Maleczka, associate professor of chemistry; Geneva Smitherman, University Distinguished Professor of English; Dan Weber, Academic Assembly chairperson, Associated Students of MSU; and Carl Newman, president, Council of Graduate Students.
�The committee believes John Hudzik will be a strong acting provost,� Lacy said. �His background as dean of International Studies and Programs, as well as his experience as associate dean in the College of Social Science, will allow him to move quickly into a job that requires a steep learning curve.�
Hudzik would serve in an acting basis until a permanent provost is appointed.
�Dr. Hudzik brings to this position the perfect balance of academic, administrative and outreach experience,� Simon said. �He is an internationally recognized scholar and has remained an active leader through the study abroad program during his tenure as dean. We are very pleased that he has agreed to accept this position. He will be a great addition to our team as we face a number of important issues.�
�I welcome the opportunity to serve my university in this capacity,� Hudzik said. �We have many serious challenges as well as opportunities facing us. I look forward to working with Dr. Simon and the rest of her team, as well as deans, faculty, staff and students.�
Hudzik has had a long academic career at MSU. Prior to his appointment as ISP dean, he served as acting dean from 1995-1998.
He began his teaching career at MSU in 1974 with an appointment in the School of Criminal Justice. In addition to his teaching duties, he served as assistant dean for special projects and lifelong education in the College of Social Science, as well as the college�s associate dean for finance and personnel.
In 1987, he earned a Fulbright Award that took him to Australia to study that nation�s criminal justice system.
His research interests include organizational and system planning, budgeting and personnel administration. He is a leading national and international expert in court administration, especially financial management and strategic planning, and in continuing judicial education for judges and court system personnel.
He is frequently a consultant to courts and judicial agencies in the United States and in numerous other countries, and publishes regularly on budgeting, resource management and judicial education.
Originally from Holland, Mich., Hudzik earned three academic degrees from MSU � a bachelor of arts in economics, history and political science (1966); a master�s in political science (1968); and a doctorate in political science (1971).
This week the university named a 22-member advisory committee that will be part of the national search for a new provost. Lynn Goldstein, professor and chairperson of the Department of Anthropology, will chair the committee.
A new provost is expected to begin his or her duties at the beginning of the fall 2005-06 academic year.