Interim provost brings history of results to new job

Interim Vice Provost Melinda Barnard's history as a professor did not prepare her for the situation she encountered this summer.

"I've never been in a job where my boss has changed. I wasn't sure what to do. Faculty don't have bosses," said Barnard. Her job as vice provost is to support and act as back up for the provost.

That position has changed hands since past Provost, Eduardo Ochoa was appointed the Assistant Secretary of Postsecondary Education in Washington D.C.  Dr. Saeid Rahimi has been selected to take charge until such time that the position can be filled permanently.

Ochoa was sworn in to the Department of Education as the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education in early July.

The department' s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) creates nationwide postsecondary education policy and manages programs that address crucial national needs in order to increase access to quality postsecondary education, according to the U.S. Department of Education website.

Barnard explained Ochoa was nominated for the Washington, D.C. job in fall of 2009, but had to keep quiet while all the finalists were interviewed in confidence. He was confirmed for the position on July 4.

Barnard has a unique perspective on Rahimi's role as interim provost because she is currently beginning her third year as interim vice provost.

"Being interim gives you the freedom to speak your mind, and there is flexibility in how you see the job," she said.

For now, she is learning how to work with Rahimi's style and said she enjoys his enthusiasm and nonstop curiosity.

"It's a really fabulous chance for SSU to have someone who has been a faculty member for 18 years and a dean for10 to take the helm," said Barnard. "He has seen the university from the bottom up."

The provost is second in command of the university and the responsibilities include managing all the academic aspects of the campus. The job title extends to include Vice President of Academic Affairs as well as Chief Academic Officer.

As difficult as it may be to come into an academic year with no budget and little experience at the job, Rahimi is used to working under pressure and creating results.