By Steve Gilliam , University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted 5-11-07
GREENSBORO, NC – Dr. David H. Perrin, who has been dean of the School of Health and Human Performance (HHP) here since 2001, has been appointed as UNCG’s next Provost following a national search.
Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan made the public announcement this morning as UNCG celebrated its 115th commencement at the Greensboro Coliseum. The appointment will become effective July 1. The national search for a provost drew 87 candidates and Perrin was one of four finalists. He will succeed Dr. A. Edward Uprichard, who has held the position since 1995.
“I am very excited about Dr. David Perrin’s appointment as UNCG’s next chief academic officer,” Sullivan said. “David has proven his effectiveness as a leader in academic administration through his work in strengthening the programs in his school, reaching out to alumni and connecting the programs of the school to the solution of community issues.
“He has supported work to enhance diversity and research in his school with remarkable success. Working with faculty, he has focused on student success and retention while increasing the support for faculty and student research.
“David is an academic professional of impeccable integrity who inspires confidence and trust. He has the experience, values and ideas to continue our commitment to shared governance, students and the expansion of our research and community development work begun during Ed Uprichard's distinguished tenure. I look forward to working with David to continue UNCG’s forward progress.”
As provost, Perrin will become UNCG’s chief academic officer and will hold the joint position of vice chancellor for academic affairs. In that capacity, he will provide leadership to academic programs that include 86 majors at the undergraduate level, 65 master’s degrees and doctorates in 23 areas.
“To say that I have a tough act to follow in becoming Ed Uprichard’s successor is an understatement,” Perrin said. “The opportunity to work with a seasoned leader like Chancellor Sullivan and the distinguished Dean’s Council at UNCG presents a unique and special opportunity to become a provost. I am excited to work with the dynamic and dedicated faculty and staff of this wonderful university to help move us forward in new and meaningful ways.
“My early agenda will be to listen and learn as much as I can about this university, to work closely with the Faculty Senate to continue our institution’s model of shared governance, and to conduct the business of the Provost’s Office with honesty, integrity, openness and no hidden agendas.”
Reporting to the provost are the deans of UNCG’s professional schools and the College of Arts & Sciences, and other associate provosts who have responsibilities in the Division of Academic Affairs. Other areas for which the position has oversight are University Libraries, Enrollment Services, the Office for Research and Public/Private Sector Partnerships, the Graduate School, the International Programs Center and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.
Sullivan, who has been UNCG’s chancellor since 1995, is going through a second cycle of senior administrative appointments. She appointed Uprichard as provost, and now has named his successor. In April 2006, she appointed Reade Taylor as vice chancellor for business affairs to succeed Phil Richman, who was appointed by Sullivan in 1995. She also has appointed Dr. Carol S. Disque as vice chancellor for student affairs and Dr. Patricia W. Stewart, UNCG’s vice chancellor for university advancement. UNCG’s fifth vice chancellor is Dr. James Clotfelter, who heads the division of information technology services.
Perrin came to UNCG in 2001 as dean of the School of HHP and professor of exercise and sport science, and has guided the school to new heights. Under his leadership, a Center for Women’s Health and Wellness has been established, and a new initiative for Healthy Aging and Living is being developed at the North Campus of the Gateway University Research Park. External grant and contract funding for the school has increased fivefold, from less than $500,000 to more than $2.5 million. Two new doctoral programs – the Doctor of Public Health and the PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders – have been established in their respective departments. Diversity in the faculty and student populations increased to 20 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
The school’s graduate programs were recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2005 rankings of Best Graduate Schools in the health disciplines category. The community health program was ranked 12th nationally and the speech language pathology program ranked 50th. The American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education’s ranking of doctoral programs had UNCG’s program in exercise and sport science ranked 24th nationally.
Before UNCG, Perrin was at the University of Virginia’s School of Education from 1986-2001. There he was chair of the Department of Human Services and the Joe Gieck Professor of Sports Medicine from 1999-2001. A 1976 graduate of Castleton State College in Vermont, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with great distinction in physical education. In 1977, he earned a Master of Arts from Indiana State University in physical education with specialization in athletic training. He holds the PhD degree in exercise physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. All three institutions have presented him with distinguished alumni awards. He has been elected a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine and in the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education.
He is author of the books “Isokinetic Exercise and Assessment” and “Athletic Taping and Bracing” (in second edition, with translations in Japanese, Greek, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean and French); coauthor of “Assessment of Athletic Injuries,” “Assessment of Musculoskeletal Injuries” and “Research Methods in Athletic Training”; and editor of “The Injured Athlete” (in third edition) and the five-textbook “Athletic Training Education Series.”
