Systemwide Communications - March 22, 2012
Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robert Schwartz as University of Missouri System chief of staff. This is an important position for our systemwide leadership team and me, and I am delighted Bob has accepted the position.
Currently serving as interim provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Bob’s 15 years of experience in higher education, his passion for how education can transform our society, and his
appreciation for the UM System’s unique statewide role of teaching, research, service and economic development make him an excellent choice for this position.
As my chief of staff, Bob will lead and coordinate the activities of the Office of the President, including serving as a chief advisor to me on various administrative matters; helping implement our strategic priorities and the overall mission of the university; representing me in a variety of internal and external settings; serving as the Custodian of Records; and coordinating staff support in the President’s Office and Department of Strategic Communications. He will begin his duties April 1.
In getting to know Bob, I have been impressed with his vision for building and leading organizations, his interpersonal skills and his ability to foster constituent involvement. Most recently at Missouri S&T, he has been instrumental in recent budget preparations and strategic planning, student recruitment, eLearning and enhancing international partnerships. He also played an important role in the academic restructuring of the campus, enhanced corporate partnerships, established cooperative degree programs with another institution, led campus efforts for ABET accreditation, and served on various task forces and committees.
Bob received his doctorate degree in ceramic engineering from the University of Illinois and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science education and chemistry respectively from North Carolina State University. He joined Missouri S&T in May 2002 as professor of ceramic engineering following appointments at Clemson University, Sandia National Laboratories and B.F. Goodrich R&D Center.
As with any appointment, the next few weeks will be ones of transition. At Missouri S&T, Interim Chancellor Warren (Kent) Wray will resume his former position as provost when Chancellor Cheryl Schrader assumes her duties April 2. Because of Bob’s appointment, Dr. Philip Whitefield will continue to serve as interim vice provost for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Klaus Woelk will continue to serve as interim chair of the Chemistry Department.
At the UM System, we will say goodbye to Kathy Miller, who has decided to leave the university to spend more time with her family. Kathy graciously stepped into the chief of staff role a little less than two years ago after having served as secretary of the board of curators for 17 years. She has provided important leadership, guidance and perspective throughout the presidential search and as I have begun my duties as president. She will be greatly missed.
Finally, let me conclude by thanking all of you—our faculty and staff on our four campuses, health system and Extension—who have been so welcoming and encouraging to me as I’ve begun my time as university president. Please join me in welcoming Bob to Columbia as he begins his work as chief of staff.
Sincerely,
Timothy M. Wolfe
University of Missouri System President
Reviewed 2012-03-22.