Selecting Kim Schatzel as Eastern Michigan University’s new provost and vice president was part of an extensive search procedure lasting several months. She was named to the post last week.
The job opening was originally announced in the spring. A committee was formed in September to begin the process of screening applicants. The committee received applications from all around the country and narrowed the field to six candidates, who were interviewed by phone.
Three finalists were then chosen to come to campus for a final round of interviews. They met with student representatives, faculty, department heads, school directors and an associate dean, and also participated in an open forum discussion.
The committee then made its recommendation to President Susan Martin. According to Dean Tom Venner, who was chair of the provost search committee, Schatzel stood out from the other applicants.
“Dr. Schatzel is a very experienced woman,” Venner said. “She’s a very skilled and competent researcher and has very good academic credentials.”
In nine years, Schatzel progressed from a position as assistant professor to dean of the College of Business at the University of Michigan Dearborn. Before climbing the academic ladder she spent almost 20 years working for large local companies. Her business experience gives her a perspective on the challenges of her position.
In a time when EMU is facing serious financial difficulties, Schatzel will need to hit the ground running.
“We need to maintain academic quality and student experience,” Venner said. “That becomes a challenge when the budget is shrinking. We’d like to develop new programs, while supporting the good programs we do have. She has a big job ahead of her.”
Working in the business world has also prepared Schatzel for the diverse community at EMU.
“I’ve been able to work with lots of different people from lots of different backgrounds,” Schatzel said.
Schatzel will not only report directly to President Martin, she will oversee the planning and assessment of academic programs of 200 majors at EMU. She will also manage the recruitment of faculty and will be responsible for academic budgets. Her position will require her to work closely with faculty and staff, which is especially important in the current economic climate.
Nevertheless, Schatzel said she feels ready to take on the challenges of the position.
“I’m confident that we’ll be able to find solutions going forward,” she said. She said she is eager to begin work as provost.
“I look forward to learning from the faculty, students and staff about what they want to do next,” she said.
Above all, she looks forward to working with the students at EMU and is even planning to teach on campus as early as next fall.
“I really love students,” she said. “When I’m having a bad day, I walk into the hall and talk to the students and realize why I have the best job in the world.”
Student David Lesnieski said, “I’m glad to have her on board. I hope that she is able to meet
as many of the students’ needs as possible. I know that she can’t please everybody, but I hope she’ll be able to meet the needs of the majority.”
Another student, Kelsey Reider, is also anticipating Schatzel starting work.
“It’s good to have a fresh set of eyes to lead the way into the future,” she said.
Members of staff and faculty are also welcoming of Schatzel.
“I think Dr. Schatzel will bring great energy and skill to a very important position,” Venner said.
All around campus, people have portrayed mostly upbeat attitudes in reaction to her job.
Like, Vicki Reaume, vice president and secretary to the Board of Regents, for example.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with Dr. Schatzel,” Reaume said.
