The second of four finalists for NDSU provost and vice president for academic affairs sees the institution in 2021 as “a center for cultural and intellectual exchange.” Cheryl B. Schrader, associate vice president for strategic research initiatives at Boise State University, Idaho, made her comments April 7 during an open forum for faculty and staff.
Schrader described NDSU as a university of tremendous potential and a place of “vibrancy, energy and promise.” She said NDSU is noted for its academic excellence and exceptional research, and the university of the future “needs to be student-centered so they can reach their potential.”
She said NDSU milestones in 10 years should include recognition as a university of first choice; recognition for successfully integrating learning, discovery and engagement; and recognition for innovative partnerships.
Schrader said a provost “sets the tone for collaborative leadership and shared governance” and “brings diverse groups together for a common goal.” She said a provost should be a listener, communicator and catalyst.
Schrader previously was dean of Boise State University’s College of Engineering. She is a professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Schrader is a former president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Control Systems Society, a professional organization of 9,000 members worldwide. She formerly was associate dean for graduate studies and research in the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Other previous professional work experience includes being a senior research associate for Chimera Research in Del Rio, Texas, and an engineer for McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co., Huntington Beach, Calif.
Schrader earned her bachelor’s degree at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.; and her master’s degree in electrical engineering and doctorate in systems and control at the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.
Her vita lists 95 selected publications and 83 presentations. She is a reviewer fro IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, Automatica, International Journal of Control Journal of Linear Algebra and Its Applications, SIAM Journal on Control and Optimization, Journal of Mathematical and Computer Modeling, and Systems and Control Letters.
Other candidates include Howard D. Grimes, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School at Washington State University, Pullman, who visited campus earlier. Bradley Fenwick, professor in the Department of Pathobiology at University of Tennessee and former vice chancellor of research and engagement at UT, is scheduled to speak on Tuesday, April 12. Bruce Rafert, vice provost and dean of the graduate school at Clemson University, will give an open forum on Thursday, April 14. Both talks are scheduled for 9 a.m. in the Memorial Union Century Theatre.
University Distinguished Professor Neil Gudmestad of plant pathology, committee chair, said the group is scheduled to meet April 18 to outline the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses. Those observations will be forwarded to President Dean L. Bresciani without ranking the candidates.
The provost and vice president for academic affairs will serve as the chief academic officer of NDSU, and provide increased coordination of all university scholarly and instructional activities. The vice presidents for Research, Creative Activities and Technology Transfer; Agriculture and University Extension; Information Technology; and Equity Diversity and Global Outreach will report to the president through the provost.
The candidates’ open forums will be available for viewing at www.ndsu.edu/news/provost_search/.
