Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen has announced the appointment of Scott Wilson as provost of the University, effective July 1. The Board of Regents approved his appointment at its meeting on campus last week. Wilson has been serving as acting provost since January 2022.

Scott Wilson began his work in the provost’s office in 2019, first as assistant provost for global and strategic partnerships, and then as vice provost for planning and strategic initiatives, beginning in March 2021.

“Having worked closely with Scott for more than a year and reflecting on his recent invaluable contributions to the University, I am confident that Scott will continue to provide the leadership, vision, and wisdom to help Sewanee reach its full potential,” said Pearigen.

Wilson chaired the Strategic Planning Committee that led the development of a strategic plan that was endorsed by the Joint Faculties and Staff Partnership Council. He was also instrumental in setting forth a set of operational priorities that will support the strategic plan and enable its success. He has also taken responsibility for the University’s fifth-year interim accreditation report to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Additionally, he co-led special committees to evaluate and improve access to employee housing on campus.

Along with his administrative service, Wilson has extensive experience in the classroom and supporting the University’s academic mission. He was associate dean for global citizenship, the founding director of the Asian Studies Program, chair of the Politics Department for 12 years, and has been a member of the politics faculty for 30 years, having served as the Alfred Walter Negley Professor of Politics from 2013 to 2022. He is the author of two books and several articles on Chinese politics and development.