With Cal State Long Beach’s previous Provost Karen Gould moving cross-country, Donald Para will be taking over her position as interim provost.
Para said his new position requires him to “address issues related to instructional and academic support budgets and curriculum.” President F. King Alexander appointed Para on July 17.
“The prime task of the university is to deal with the urgent issues related to the very poor state budget and the impact on higher education in both the short and long terms,” he said via e-mail.
Para was the dean of the College of the Arts (COTA) for eight years and the chair of the music department for 12 years before becoming interim provost. He said he is confident in taking on the position and has a “deep commitment to students and the mission of CSULB as a great public university.”
Para said, “Creating a planning process to address the realities of the dramatic base budget reductions … while maintaining the quality of academic programs, are the most urgent priorities.”
Jay Kvapil, who was the associate dean of COTA, has been appointed as interim dean of the college. Chris Miles from the art department will serve as the new interim associate dean.
“[The art department] really grew and prospered under his leadership,” Para said. “Jay had been department chair in art for nine years, and art is the largest department on campus. He also served as graduate adviser for several years.”
Although Para said the changing roles at CSULB happened very quickly, he said he recognizes the need of the university and is ready to take on the challenge.
“I am working with President Alexander and Vice Presidents Stephens, Robinson and Taylor to move the mission of the university forward, despite the difficult budget realities,” he said.