ESU President Allison D. Garrett sent the following email to the campus community:
Dear Hornet Nation:
Today I am writing to tell you that Dr. David P. Cordle, provost and vice president for academic affairs, has announced his retirement at the end of the 2020-21 academic year.
Personally, this news saddens me because I enjoy working with David. On the other hand, I am so very happy that he and his wife, Pam, will be able to enjoy more time with their families, who live in Georgia, where the couple plan to move. Many of you know Pam, who has taught piano and accompanied singers and instrumentalists for our Department of Music.
During his tenure at ESU, Provost Cordle oversaw a five-year update to the university’s Strategic Plan, co-chaired two ESU re-accreditation cycles with the Higher Learning Commission and oversaw the launch for numerous new academic programs including:
- Accelerated master’s programs in School of Business and The Teachers College;
- Online bachelor’s degree in Sports Leadership and Recreation;
- Bachelor’s degree in Ethnic, Gender & Identity Studies;
- Master’s degree in Information Technology;
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Data Analytics;
- Bachelor’s degree in General Studies; and
- Online master’s degree in Elementary Education.
David’s final eight months at Emporia State University will conclude his 40-year career in higher education. He came to ESU in July 2013 after tenures at William Woods College, Virginia Commonwealth University, Longwood University and the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
By the end of the fall 2020 semester, we will launch a national search to fill the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs. I have been working with shared governance groups and Human Resources on that process. You will receive an update when the Search Committee members are appointed.
In the meantime, I hope you will join me in wishing David and Pam Cordle well in all their future endeavors.
With Hornet Pride,
Allison D. Garrett
President