Interim Vice Chancellor named in academic affairs

(Mar. 16, 2001)   —   Dr. Robert J. Thompson, director of planning and institutional research and associate professor of political science at East Carolina University, has been named interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, effective April 1.

Chancellor Richard Eakin, announcing the appointment, said, “Bob Thompson’s demonstrated academic talents as a professor and former chair in political science, along with his administrative skills evidenced in his role as director of planning and institutional research, make him the ideal choice to serve in this interim role.”

Thompson will succeed Dr. Richard Ringeisen, who is leaving ECU to become chancellor of the University of Illinois at Springfield. The vice chancellor’s post at ECU is the chief academic position on campus, overseeing, among other areas, nine deans, the academic libraries, enrollment management and distance education.

Eakin said, “The coming academic year will pose many academic and financial challenges. Dr. Thompson has been instrumental in university budget development for several years and is especially well acquainted with financial issues as they relate to academic affairs.

“His 20 years of service to ECU, combined with his role in shaping the university’s strategic plan, provide an excellent perspective on East Carolina’s accomplishments and vision for the future.”

Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio and a master’s and doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Before joining the ECU faculty, he taught at Southeastern Oklahoma State and Texas A&M universities. He has headed the Office of Planning and Institutional Research since 1991.

A search committee to identify candidates for the permanent vice chancellor’s position will be named by Chancellor-elect William Muse after his arrival on campus Aug. 1

Contact: ECU News Bureau | 252-328-6481