Tennessee Tech names Dr. John Liu interim provost and vice president for academic affairs

The Tennessee Technological University Board of Trustees Executive Committee approved the appointment of Dr. John Liu as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs during a virtual meeting. The committee recorded aye votes from Trustee Lowery, Trustee Rose and Chair Trudy Harper; the motion carried.

President Oldham said the appointment follows the resignation of Provost Lori Bruce, who is moving to serve as chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Oldham told trustees the university did not want to lose momentum in academic and research work and recommended Liu for the interim role; Oldham noted Liu would continue to carry responsibility for research.

Dr. John Liu commented that he would treat the position as an active leadership role, not a placeholder: “I will not slow down.” He outlined priorities including putting students first, enhancing student experience and success, increasing enrollment and retention, growing research funding and scholarship, and expanding Ph.D. student numbers and national research reputation.

Trustees asked about the timeline for a full search. President Oldham said the search for a permanent provost is expected to begin in the fall and that a full search typically follows an academic-year cycle. Trustees also noted this is a SACS year for the university, underlining the need for continuity in academic leadership.

Action: The committee approved a motion to appoint Dr. John Liu as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. A roll call recorded Trustee Lowery, Trustee Rose and Chair Trudy Harper voting “aye.” No salary, term length or effective date details were specified in the recorded discussion.

Background cited in the meeting: trustees were reminded that Liu previously served as interim provost at Syracuse University for two years and has experience at other institutions; trustees praised Liu’s research leadership and faculty continuity.