EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University Provost Kim Wilcox has moved to fill three positions in his office, including the key appointment of an associate provost for human health affairs.
James Randolph “Randy” Hillard, currently a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, has been appointed to the post of associate provost for human health affairs, effective July 1.
In addition, Douglas Estry will be recommended as the new associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of undergraduate studies, a role he has filled in an acting capacity since 2006; and Theodore “Terry” Curry, currently director of MSU’s School of Labor and Industrial Relations, will be appointed associate provost and associate vice president for academic human resources.
In his role, Hillard will provide leadership and support to the deans of MSU’s three medical colleges – human medicine, osteopathic medicine and veterinary medicine – and the College of Nursing. He also will have direct oversight of Olin Health Center – MSU’s student health center – and the MSU Health Team – the university’s faculty group practice.
Hillard has served as professor and chairperson of Cincinnati’s Department of Psychiatry. From 1997-2002 he also was executive associate dean for clinical affairs. A physician, Hillard’s areas of specialty include emergency psychiatry and forensic psychiatry. His appointment as a tenured faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry is subject to the MSU Board of Trustees’ approval.
“The re-establishment of this long-unfilled position recognizes that the opportunities and challenges facing human health affairs require the full-time attention of a leader who has the necessary background in academic medicine to add value,” said Wilcox. “Dr. Hillard’s accomplishments reflect a studied commitment to the key components required for success in this arena.”
Estry’s appointment as dean, which is subject to MSU board approval, would be effective April 13. He succeeds June Youatt, who was appointed senior associate provost in July 2006.
As associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of undergraduate studies, Estry will provide leadership for and oversight of issues pertaining to undergraduate education.
Prior to joining the provost’s staff, Estry was associate dean for student and academic affairs in the College of Natural Science from 2000-06. From 1995-2000 he was director of the MSU Medical Technology Program. His academic appointments are in the Department of Pathology and Diagnostic Investigation and the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program.
Curry’s appointment is effective July 1. He succeeds Robert Banks, who is retiring after a 40-year career at MSU.
An MSU faculty member since 1976, Curry has served as director of the School of Labor and Industrial Relations since 1999. From 1981-1999 he was associate director of the school as well as director of the school’s Human Resources Education and Training Center.
Among the roles of the associate provost and associate vice president for academic human resources is the development and maintenance of policies and procedures that enhance the university’s ability to recruit and retain an outstanding, nationally competitive faculty and academic staff.
Wilcox noted that in the position of associate provost and associate vice president for academic human resources, reviews of reappointments, promotions and tenure recommendations will now be a joint process involving Curry, Youatt and Ian Gray, vice president for research and graduate studies.
“I’m pleased that both Doug and Terry have agreed to continue their service to the university in these two vital roles,” said Wilcox. “I’d like to thank Doug for stepping up to the role as acting associate provost, and to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Banks, for his dedicated leadership and service over the years.”
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