The final candidate for the position of provost at Emporia State University will visit campus Friday, March 26, 2021.
Dr. J.S. “Jeff” Elwell served as chancellor of the Eastern New Mexico University System and president of the Portales campus from 2017 to 2020, responsible for the oversight of all budget, facilities, operations and personnel at the three-campus ENMU System (Portales, Roswell, and Ruidoso). During that time, Elwell reduced out-of-state tuition to 150% of in-state rate, established higher admission standards, an Emergency Operations Plan and a $6 million Energy Conservation plan and increased the employee tuition waiver benefit.
Elwell earlier served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at University of Tennessee Chattanooga (2012-2017), provost and special assistant to the chancellor for strategic initiatives at Auburn University at Montgomery (2010-2012), founding dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication at East Carolina University (2004-2010), chair of the Department of Theatre Arts and executive artistic director of Nebraska Rep at the University of Nebraska (1999-2004), chair of Department of Theatre at Marshall University (1996-1999) and chair of the Theatre Department at Aurora University (1987-1989).
He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from California State University-Bakersfield, did graduate study in journalism from Louisiana State University, earned a master’s degree in communication/theatre from University of Southern Louisiana and a doctorate in speech communication/theatre from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
During a public webinar at 3 p.m. Friday, March 26, Elwell will present on how he would move ESU forward followed by questions and answers. The webinar is open to the entire ESU campus as well as interested community members. The link to join the webinar is at emporia.edu/live. Questions can be typed in during the webinar.
Elwell also will meet with ESU President Allison Garrett, the vice presidents, Faculty Senate executive board and the Provost Council before touring the Emporia community.
Those wanting to learn more may see Elwell’s cover letter and curriculum vita online at https://www.emporia.edu/work-emporia-state/provost-search/. The search committee welcomes input from all who participate in meetings and the forum. A link to an online survey is also on that page.