To the University community:

I am delighted to share the news that Dr. Theodora J. Kalikow will be joining Humboldt State University in mid-July to serve as the interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, as we continue our search for a “permanent” appointment in this role.  During her visit on campus last week, members of our University community were impressed by her professional and leadership experience, her authenticity, and her focus on students – particularly the kind of students who attend Humboldt.  Many people commented positively on her assurance that we “will always know what she is thinking.”

Theo’s interdisciplinary background has prepared her well for this role at HSU.  She earned the A.B. in chemistry from Wellesley College.  After working in a laboratory at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, she received the Sc.M. in philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston University.

In her academic career, Theo has served in a variety of positions:  tutor at the University of Exeter, England; faculty member, department chair, faculty union president, and interim assistant to the president at University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth;  dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado;  dean of the college and interim president at Plymouth State College (New Hampshire);  president of the University of Maine at Farmington;  president of the University of Southern Maine; and interim vice chancellor of the University of Maine System.  She was also an American Council on Education Fellow at Brown University.  Her related activities include work with diversity, multicultural affairs, economic development, women’s leadership, and environmental responsibility.

When I know the date that Theo will arrive at HSU, I will share that information.  Until then, Dr. Jená Burges will continue serving as acting provost, and I am grateful for her willingness to help in this way.

I also want to express my appreciation for the remarkable number of people who attended the open sessions with the interim Provost candidates last week.  We had a great turnout, especially considering the summer break, and I thank you for your time, your interest, and the thoughtful feedback that you provided.

With very best wishes,

Lisa A. Rossbacher, Ph.D.
President