The fourth finalist for NDSU provost and vice president for academic affairs says the time has come “to frame a bold vision” for the university. J. Bruce Rafert, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School at Clemson University, made that comment during an open forum April 14.
“This is an exciting time to be working in higher education,” Rafert told an audience of faculty and staff. “In some states, higher education is a public necessity.”
Rafert, who is a professor of astronomy and physics, said three big issues will shape higher education in the next 10 years: the accelerated pursuit of academic distinction, demographics and the “new world normal” where mobility makes it possible to work and teach from any place. Rafert also suggested a fourth mission of economic development may be emerging for land grant institutions in addition to education, research and service.
During the next decade, Rafert said he expects NDSU to be “globally recognized for at least four to five spectacular new things.” He said it is possible for the university to rise to be among the nation’s top 50 institutions in five to 10 years.
“I am very interested in working with you to develop a portfolio of academic programs that exploit land grant attributes that address complex global problems,” Rafert said.
Before joining Clemson in 2004, Rafert was chair of the physics department, dean of the Graduate School and dean of Distance Learning at Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich. He previously was on the faculty of Florida Institute of Technology, Stephen F. Austin University, Appalachian State University and Alcorn State University. He also was a post-doctoral research assistant at University of South Florida.
He was Michigan's representative to the Aerospace State's Association, past secretary and co-organizer of the Aerospace State’s Association, board chair and co-founder of the Isle Royale Institute. Rafert was a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research and a consultant for the Army Science Board.
Rafert earned his bachelor’s degree at Case Institute of Technology, Cleveland, and his doctorate in astronomy at the University of Florida, Gainesville. His vita lists more than 130 publications on telescope control, optical system design of hyperspectral sensors, astrophysics, remote sensing, computer interfacing and physics pedagogy.
Other finalists for the position include Howard D. Grimes, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School at Washington State University, Pullman; Cheryl B. Schrader, associate vice president for strategic research initiatives at Boise State University, Idaho; and Bradley Fenwick, professor of pathobiology at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and former vice chancellor of research and engagement at UT. Each of the candidates visited campus earlier.
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/.
