Over the course of three weeks from Sept. 10 to 24, the University of Central Missouri hosted three finalists for the provost position, an administrative position over academic affairs. These candidates spoke on a wide variety of issues and fielded questions from students. 

  The three candidates were Patrick Hughes, the Dean of University Studies at Texas Tech University; Michelle Mayo, the Associate Provost for Student Success and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at California State University, Monterey Bay; and Timothy Crowley, the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at UCM. These candidates each visited campus on back-to-back weeks.

  The first candidate to visit campus was Hughes. Hughes sees the role of the provost as a way to impact students’ lives to the greatest extent, which he finds “very fulfilling”. He also spoke about increasing the enrollment profile of UCM.

  Hughes, who is also a Professor of Communication Studies alongside his post as Dean of University Studies, spoke of a particular interest in engaging with communities around campus. He said that he views interactions with students as extremely important and sees his relationship with student leaders as collegial. 

  The second candidate to visit was Michelle Mayo. Mayo, a St. Louis native, got her degree in political science from Truman State University. She focused on the importance of representation and visibility on campuses. 

  Mayo said she feels the provost role is a way to help expand opportunities and believes her biggest role is to be an advocate for students. Mayo, a first-generation college student who has since worked at five universities across the country, spoke of her work at previous institutions on issues such as social justice. 

“I don’t believe in our students surviving because I want our students to thrive,” Mayo said. 

  The final candidate for the position was Timothy Crowley, the current Interim Provost at UCM.  Crowley is a two-year veteran of UCM. According to Crowley, he seeks the provost position because he enjoys helping create an environment where learning can take place. 

  “I didn’t expect that I would be enjoying doing this at this point in my life, but I found that I’ve really enjoyed creating those conditions for learning to happen,” Crowley said.