The third of four finalists for NDSU provost and vice president for academic affairs says, “Every morning we need to wake up running to the future.” Bradley Fenwick, professor of pathobiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and former vice chancellor of research and engagement at UT, made his comments April 12 during an open forum for faculty and staff.

“I see a powerful energy on this campus and a desire to get better,” said Fenwick. “You give students a great value and your eyes are on the future.”

Fenwick described the “next great land grant research university” as a force for change as well as a destination; less about size and more about quality, productivity and connectivity; and a place where faculty and students reach their full potential.

Fenwick said future success is accomplished with a focus on the faculty; a spirit of inquiry and discovery; quality, innovation and results; respect for all disciplines; and leveraging diversity. He emphasized the “four Cs” of communication, collaboration, courage and capital.

“I pledge to listen,” Fenwick said. “And that will help set the agenda of what the institution needs to thrive and capture the future.”

Fenwick previously was vice president for research at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; chief science adviser and chief scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative States Research and Education Service; professor of pathobiology and associate dean of the Graduate School at Kansas State University; and a faculty member at the University of Florida.

He earned his bachelor’s, doctor of veterinary medicine and master’s degree in pathology at Kansas State University. He earned his doctorate in comparative pathology at the University of California, Davis.

Fenwick has an extensive list of professional and public service, including editor of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and serving as a member of the National Council on Readiness and Preparedness, Washington, D.C. He also is a former member of the board of governors for Oak Ridge National Laboratory, past member of the board of directors of Carillion Biomedical Institute and former member of the National Agriculture Biotechnology Council. Fenwick is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and American Council on Education.

His vita lists five patents, 20 appointed or elected positions with federal programs or agencies, 89 publications, 42 invited scientific proceedings and 136 scientific and professional presentations. He is a reviewer for several journals, including Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association, American Journal of Veterinary Research, Theriogenology, Vaccine, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Pathology and Journal of Endotoxin Research,

Other finalists for the position include Howard D. Grimes, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School at Washington State University, Pullman, and Cheryl B. Schrader, associate vice president for strategic research initiatives at Boise State University, Idaho who visited campus earlier. The fourth candidate, J. Bruce Rafert, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School at Clemson University, is scheduled to give an open forum on Thursday, April 14, at 9 a.m. in the Memorial Union Century Theater.

University Distinguished Professor Neil Gudmestad of plant pathology, search 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.