Dear Campus Community,
I want to share with you my decision to step down as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of the University of California, Merced, on June 1, 2018. This was a decision made after careful thought, and with particular consideration for giving Chancellor Leland ample opportunity to determine next steps for this position.
I began my career as an assistant professor in August 1977, so this past August brought the conclusion of my 40th year as an academic. Almost 30 of those 40 years have given me opportunities to serve in various administrative capacities, from department head to dean to head of a directorate at the NSF and finally to provost and EVC of this fine fledgling research university. I would like to culminate my career as it began: as a faculty member. After a brief sabbatical, it is my intention to return to the faculty at UC Merced.
In the meantime, there are several items I am committed to bringing to conclusion before this transition takes place. These efforts will only succeed with your support.
I want to extend my sincere thanks for your support and partnership these past five and a half years, as we have worked to advance the mission of UC Merced. Your dedication to the university is truly humbling.
Sincerely,
Thomas W. Peterson
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
