After a year of searching, the University of Tennessee at Martin has a new provost.
Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier will serve in the dual role of provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. Cavalier is expected to assume his duties on July 1. He most recently served as provost at Lyon College in Arkansas.
In a release on Friday, Cavalier expressed his excitement with the acceptance of his new role and partnering with Chancellor Keith Carver.
“I am excited to join a community that impressed me, during my campus interviews, as truly energized and moving in a positive direction,” said Cavalier. “I am eager to partner with Chancellor Carver and the faculty, staff and members of the chancellor’s leadership team to advance UT Martin’s commitment to making a profound impact on the lives of all UTM students.”
Dr. Rich Helgeson had served as interim provost following Dr. Jerald Ogg’s decision last year to return to his role as professor after serving as provost for 10 years.
Carver sent his appreciations to Helgeson and said he looks forward to welcoming Cavalier to campus this summer.
“I appreciate Dr. Rich Helgeson for stepping up to fill the provost position this past year, and I wish him well as he returns to the faculty in the fall,” said Carver. “I would also like to thank Dr. Philip Smartt and the rest of the search committee for their tireless efforts to find the best person to lead UT Martin’s academic areas. I am confident Dr. Cavalier is this person, and I look forward to welcoming him and his family to campus this summer.”
