Paula Turner to become associate provost

Kenyon Provost Gregory Spaid has announced the appointment of Associate Professor of Physics Paula Turner to a three-year term as associate provost, beginning July 1. Turner will replace Sarah Murnen, professor of psychology, who will return to teaching.

"I have been extremely impressed with Paula's commitment to Kenyon and her understanding of faculty governance," Spaid said in announcing the appointment. "I think she has the natural instincts of a successful administrator. This year Paula has done a remarkable job chairing the faculty's Tenure and Promotion Committee. She will also bring to the job her skills as a scientist and her understanding of the vital importance of science to the liberal arts at Kenyon."

Turner is excited about her new responsibilities and expects to work closely with Murnen throughout the spring to ease the transition. "I'm looking forward to finding out more about other parts of the College. As an associate provost, I'll be able to make a broader contribution to the College than I can as a faculty member," Turner said.

"I hope that when I leave the position to return to teaching," she continued, "I can say that I have consistently adhered to a sound process in helping lead the College--one that values listening carefully and integrating input from people with a range of perspectives, one that facilitates and enables people to do their best work, and one that recognizes the different abilities and strengths that each of us brings to the College community."

Spaid had high praise for Murnen, who is completing her fourth year as associate provost. "Sarah has done an extraordinary job, and I will certainly miss working with her," Spaid said. "I have come to rely heavily on her considerable talents. Among her most significant achievements has been her leadership in shepherding the College through the transition to our new general-education requirements in a second language and quantitative reasoning. She has also been the person most responsible for addressing the need for improving childcare services and facilities for Kenyon's faculty and staff."