Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Donald Foss is stepping down from his post.
His resignation, which takes effect June 16, is by no means a goodbye to the University.
Foss, who announced his resignation May 27, will resume teaching and will conduct research in the department of psychology, where he is a tenured full professor.
"My decision to step down was due to a combination of many reasons that came together," Foss said. "I’ve been a chair of a large department, a dean or provost continuously for 25 years. Being a professor seems very inviting."
From fall of 1995 until assuming his position at UH in 2005, Foss served as Dean of the College of Arts and Science at Florida State University. From 1983 to 1995 he served as chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
"I spent many years teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and doing research, writing and editing," Foss said.
"I have a book project that I’ve been working on – though very little while I’ve been provost – and I’m looking forward to returning to it."
Foss took the reins as senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs for the University of Houston System and senior vice president for Academic Affairs and provost for the University of Houston in July 2005.
From overseeing faculty hiring, promotion and tenure to working closely with department heads to ensure college growth, the role of the provost encompasses many aspects of the University. Foss said mprovements in areas of fundraising, student services and renovations were among his most rewarding accomplishments while serving as provost to the UH community.
"I’m proud of a number of things we’ve done," Foss said.
The Board of Regents’ approval of a $57 million science facilities renovation project is one of Foss’ most recent accomplishments as provost.
The project will ensure state-of-the-art facilities for the sciences, enabling UH to reach greater heights with undergraduate research,
Foss said.
"That one brings a smile to my face," Foss said.
A national search to fill the position of provost, chaired by Professor David Francis, is under way.
