Familiar face appointed to serve as U of A interim provost

University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins, with the consultation of president-designate Suresh Garimella, has appointed an interim provost.

Ron Marx, who served as interim provost last year, is returning to the post, Robbins announced in an email to students and employees on Monday.

“Despite his plans to serve as a faculty member for his final year before a well-deserved retirement, Dr. Marx graciously accepted this appointment,” Robbins wrote in his email. “Dr. Garimella and I are grateful for his willingness to serve in this role again, which reflects his strong commitment to our university and its mission.”

Marx’s appointment will be effective immediately. He will replace outgoing Provost Joseph Glover, who announced last week he was leaving the UA after just over one month at the post. Glover began at the UA on July 1 with a salary of $550,000.

Glover’s last day at the UA will be Friday. He previously served as the head of academic affairs at the University of Florida for 15 years and will return to the Sunshine State this fall to serve as the university’s interim provost.

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“This is a difficult decision and one that I did not make lightly,” Glover wrote at the time in an email to UA students and employees. “When I took on this important role as Provost, I intended to stay and was committed to becoming an integral part of this community, advancing the university’s success in the years to come.”

Marx, a faculty member in the College of Education, previously served as interim provost last year during the nationwide search for the permanent position.

“I know Ron will provide valuable perspective and partnership for Dr. Garimella thanks to his many years of experience and deep institutional knowledge,” Robbins wrote. “Those of you who have worked with Dr. Marx know that he is a fantastic leader and colleague.”

He continued: “His background as a successful dean, widely published interdisciplinary researcher, effective fundraiser, and civic-minded contributor locally makes him ideally suited to lead our academic efforts during this presidential transition.”