CLASS Dean Rothaus named interim provost
Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Richard Rothaus stands in front of a bookshelf covered in faculty projects and books Sept. 17 in Anspach Hall.
Central Michigan University announced in a press release today that Richard Rothaus, dean of the college of liberal arts and social sciences, has been appointed as interim Provost after current provost Mary Schutten announced that she would be stepping down at the end of the fall semester. Rothaus will be taking over starting January 1, 2022.
"I am confident he will champion shared governance and provide critical leadership to our continued strategic focus on enrollment and budget planning," President Bob Davies said.
According to Rothaus, an interim dean of CLASS will be appointed so he can focus on his duties as interim provost. The appointee is expected to be announced next week.
"We have no doubt that Dr. Rothaus will continue to work alongside faculty with the same consideration and respect in his role as the Interim Provost that he has demonstrated in his time here as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences," Faculty Association President Amanda Garrison said. "As CMU works to restore the commitment to shared governance and extraordinary education for our students, we anticipate great opportunities for advancing our collective goals and aspirations with Dr. Rothaus."
Rothaus has previously held administrative positions as vice chancellor of academic and student affairs of the entire North Dakota University System. He also served as director of academic programs, research and accreditation for NDUS.
Before working for NDUS Rothaus served on the president's cabinet at St. Cloud State University as assistant vice president for research.
"Relationship building and communication will be a critical focus of mine as I move into this role," Rothaus said. "I look forward to working with the faculty, students and staff across campus to tackle challenges and act on opportunities."
In October, a nationwide search for CMU's new provost began. The search will be led by a 25-member search committee, chaired by Betty Kirby, interim dean of the College of the Arts and Media. Consulting firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates will assist in the search.
