We are an inclusive academic community committed to excellence in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. We advance intellectual and creative discovery through transformative learning experiences that positively impact our lives and communities.
Dr. Bob Kolvoord
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
A Message from the Interim Provost
Dear Colleagues,
With the Canvas challenges at the end of last week, the last Friday e-mail of the 2025-26 academic year is coming on a Wednesday, and it’s the last Friday e-mail from me.
As you saw from the earlier message, I was not afforded the opportunity to continue serving as Provost. Academic Affairs will be in very good hands with Fletcher Linder as we search for the next permanent Provost. Please know that Fletcher has my full support, and I hope he’ll have yours as well.
Serving as your Provost for the last two years has been an honor and a privilege for me. Learning about and celebrating all of your accomplishments has been a great pleasure, and I enjoyed sharing a little bit every week about what things look like from the Provost’s chair. The Friday missives have been an opportunity to both share and stay connected as we work through the myriad daily challenges of teaching, research/ scholarship/creative activity and service. I’ve heard from many of you that the messages were a nice way to end the week, and to (re)build community.
The last tip of this Provost’s cap is to you. Thank you for everything that each of you has done to make JMU the institution it is. Your passion and commitment shine through in all that you do. I know this year has been long and stressful, but we’ve accomplished a great deal and that’s something to be very proud of. As we move into summer, I hope your endeavors are both stimulating and rejuvenating. I look forward to seeing you at graduation and around campus in the future.
Sincerely,
Bob
Have Question for the Provost?
Academic Affairs faculty and staff can use the options below to contact the provost directly.
This is an open line of communication allowing faculty and staff to ask questions, but it is not a substitute from the crucial interactions they have with their academic unit head, department head and dean.
Students should contact AcademicQuestions@jmu.edu with questions.
