In addition to other cuts facing Binghamton University, the vice provost position is scheduled to be phased out.
The vice provost for undergraduate education and international affairs, Dr. H. Stephen Straight, said he will be leaving his post to return to teaching full time in the anthropology and linguistics field at BU. The change is set to occur this fall.
The decision to remove the vice provost position came after the administration received information that “the budget cuts would be critical,” Straight said.
“I always intended on going back to teaching; the removal of the vice provost position just came at a lucky time,” Straight said.
Straight also said that the rumors circulating campus — that he was leaving the position against his will, retiring, or that he had had a falling out with the provost — were all untrue.
Since the vice provost position will not be taken over by another official, the tasks originally performed by Straight will be delegated to other employees on campus.
In a document detailing the different aspects of his job, Straight listed “advancing the mission of the University, facilitating continuous improvement in undergraduate teaching and overseeing functions and offices” as his main responsibilities.
BU spokeswoman Gail Glover said the provost was not able to give information on who will be receiving which jobs because many have not been decided yet.
“There are a number of options available, but nothing definitive has been determined yet,” Straight said. “But I am confident that my job will find homes on campus.”
Straight also said that, despite the removal of his position and the budget cuts on campus, the administration has “no intention of eliminating anyone.”
Originally, Straight was assigned to the position of vice provost in 1999, when he accepted his first five-year term with his “undergraduate affairs” title. In 2004, he was renewed as the vice provost for an additional five years with the added title of “international affairs.”
After leaving the office of vice provost, Straight will continue his work in helping the international education programs on campus, as well as working with several committees.
These international opportunities include events, classes and study abroad programs, among many others, he said.