Dialog, UA Faculty and Staff News

Advisory

Dr. Judy Bonner

Bonner Named Provost

Dr. Judy Bonner, dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences, has agreed to an appointment of up to three years to serve as University of Alabama vice president for academic affairs and provost. Bonner accepted the position on an interim basis in March following the resignation of Dr. Nancy Barrett who recently accepted a similar post at Wayne State University.

In announcing Bonner's appointment, Dr. Robert E. Witt said Bonner has provided outstanding interim leadership during the past months, and he was pleased she was willing to continue serving during a short-term appointment. "We have several interim appointments in key administrative areas. I asked Provost Bonner if she would serve a short-term appointment to provide stability and continuity in leadership during a time when several administrative searches will be conducted," Witt said.

"Provost Bonner has shown solid leadership throughout her career at The University of Alabama," Witt said. "I am pleased she is willing to serve as our chief academic officer and provost during a time when we face many challenges with regard to funding but great promise for the ongoing enhancement of our academic programs."

Bonner said she is eager to move forward in this new role. "Eliminating the interim portion of my title will help us plan more effectively with an eye to the future," Bonner said. "I am especially grateful to the deans on our campus and the staff in the Office for Academic Affairs who have been a great resource during this transitional period. We will do everything in our power to continue to strengthen academic programs, establish and expand competitive research programs, improve faculty compensation, and support the University's commitment to service and economic development in the state."

Bonner has been dean of Human Environmental Sciences since 1990 and has been a faculty member at UA for 22 years. Her administrative experience also includes serving as assistant academic affairs vice president from 1985-1990.

A native of Camden, Bonner holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from The University of Alabama, and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Her area of research expertise is in clinical nutrition. Before coming to UA in 1981, she served on the pediatric and nutrition sciences faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Milla Boschung is currently serving as interim dean of Human Environmental Sciences and will continue in that capacity. Boschung has served as assistant dean of HES and chair of the department of consumer sciences. Dr. Olivia Kendrick, associate professor of human nutrition and hospitality management, has agreed to serve as interim assistant dean of HES.