BY RANDY McNUTT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
OXFORD — Joe Urell, a senior administrator at Miami University, will become acting provost in early 1999, President James C. Garland said.
Provost Anne Hopkins had earlier announced her resignation, to become president of the University of North Florida.
Richard Farmer, president of Miami's board of trustees, said the popular Ms. Hopkins will be difficult to replace.
“Your performance here has been outstanding,” he told her at a meeting Friday. “Miami well prepared you to do an outstanding job (in Florida).”
Mr. Garland said Ms. Hopkins has made many contributions to Miami in her four years as provost — the university official who deals with faculty and curriculum.
“Having one of our senior administrators chosen for such a position makes all of us at Miami proud,” Mr. Garland said of Ms. Hopkins' new job.
Officials at North Florida said Ms. Hopkins was selected because of her outstanding qualities as a leader, scholar, teacher and concerned citizen.
Mr. Garland said Mr. Urell has the experience and ability to help Miami move toward its academic goals.
Mr. Urell, now Miami's associate provost, will take over when Ms. Hopkins leaves, probably in early 1999. During the search for her successor, Mr. Urell's title will be acting provost and vice president for academic affairs.
He is not a stranger to the job. He served as acting provost in 1989 and 1991. He joined Miami in 1968 as an instructor and since has served in a number of administrative positions. He was named associate provost in 1983.
He earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, a master's degree from Miami and a doctorate from the University of Cincinnati.
