In an email sent to the Longwood faculty and staff during winter break, Longwood President Taylor Reveley IV announced that Dr. Joan Neff would step down as the university's provost before the start of the spring 2018 semester. Associate Provost Dr. Larissa Ferguson will step in as interim provost through the 2018-19 academic year as a result.
In the email, Reveley described Neff as instrumental in many university functions while serving as provost.
“In her (Neff) time as Provost, she has been instrumental in hiring and supporting new full-time faculty, the continued improvement in faculty compensation, the hosting of the Vice Presidential Debate and the adoption of the new core curriculum,” said President Reveley.
Neff had served as provost since July 1, 2015, according to Longwood University’s website. Before coming to Longwood, Neff worked at the University of Richmond for more than three decades where she served as a professor, department chair and assistant provost. She is also a widely known scholar of criminology and received her master’s and doctorate in sociology from Ohio State University.
Neff succeeded former Longwood Provost Dr. Ken Perkins when taking the position. Perkins served as Longwood Provost for five years before becoming director of advancement for academic priorities and receiving the honorary title of provost emeritus in 2015 after stepping down from the position, according to a release from Longwood University.
Reveley stated Neff will assist the administration as provost emeritus after her departure as provost. She only served as provost for a little over two years, having held the position since 2015.
Ferguson begins serving as interim provost starting the spring 2018 semester in the absence of Neff. She will also take over the role as vice president of academic affairs from Neff. Ferguson joined the Longwood staff in 2000 and has served as associate provost since 2015, along with serving as a civil rights historian, according to Reveley.
During this time, Reveley stated procedures to replace Neff will be underway.
“The Board of Visitors and I will consult over the months ahead as to considerations for the filling the position permanently and the process that will best serve the university,” stated Reveley.
Reveley also shared his appreciation for Neff’s service as provost in the email.
“I know the university community joins me in our deepest thanks to Neff for her devoted service," stated Reveley. “My debt of gratitude is especially great to a dear friend.”
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