Carroll Falcon, senior vice president/chief academic officer for the University of Louisiana System and former Nicholls faculty member, has been named as Nicholls new vice president for academic affairs and provost. Falcon has held his position with ULS for the past 11 years and said the vice president’s position, which he will assume July 1, is similar.
“It has allowed me to look at things from a global perspective and interact with our board, the Board of Regents, as well as vice presidents from across the state,” Falcon said.
Falcon also said he is familiar with agencies like the Board of Regents and Department of Education, both of which the vice president for academic affairs has to work with closely.
The committee formed for the selection process, headed by Betty Kleen, professor of computer services, submitted all four finalists to University President Stephen Hulbert for consideration. Hulbert said he then made his own contacts and came up with his decision.
“I thought about who best can work with me directly, who I believe could meet the needs of NSU and that was clearly Carroll Falcon,” Hulbert said.
Although Nicholls has not had a provost since Donald Ayo was selected as president in 1983, Hulbert said the position is important.
“It is a way of acknowledging the second officer to the University and to distinguish that not all vice presidencies and divisions are created equal,” Hulbert said.
The provost is the designee of the President, serving in his absence, and, according to Hulbert, is in charge of coordinating university wide issues, strategic planning, assessments and accountability.
“I would like to look at Nicholls and address the issues of preparing for 2005 and the implementation of selective admissions,” Falcon said. “We would like to keep the impact felt by the University controlled to a minimum.”
Falcon also said the technical college in Houma will play an important role in the success of Nicholls in the future. Falcon will also be instrumental in the re-accreditation process through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
“I would like to look at and revisit the strategic plan and mission statement,” Falcon said.
According to Hulbert, Larry Howell, interim vice president for academic affairs, will return to the position of assistant vice president for academic affairs, which he has held for about seven years.
“I think Dr. Falcon and I will work well together, and I am excited to go back,” Howell said.
Previously, Hulbert and Falcon were both contending for the President’s position almost a year ago, but both said their previous interaction will have no effect on them effectively and efficiently working together.
“It was not a factor at all; the fact that he was an applicant and candidate did not reflect on my decision at all,” Hulbert said. “He is a talented academic official at the university level and at the system office. I was pleased with his interest in returning to the University.”
Falcon said it is exciting for him to come back home since he lives in Baton Rouge during the week. Previously, Falcon had served Nicholls as assistant professor, associate professor, department head and finally dean of the college of life sciences and technology, encompassing a total of 25 years.
“It is a great way to finish my career,” Falcon said.
