Goldenberg to fill Texas provost post

Edie Goldenberg, dean of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts for the University, has been named executive vice president and provost at the University of Texas at Austin effective October 1.

Goldenberg, a professor of political science and public policy, has been dean since 1989. Her resignation will be effective August 31.

Goldenberg's selection follows a national search conducted by the University of Texas to replace the former provost, Mark Yudof. Goldenberg was among a list of 100 candidates that was narrowed down to three finalists. The hunt for a provost was conducted by a University of Texas search committee made up of faculty and students.

Goldenberg

Goldenberg said the opportunities at Austin are exciting, and she is looking forward to working with Austin's new president.

"I've known their new president (Larry Faulkner) for years, and I think he has embarked on efforts to take the university there to new levels of accomplishment," Goldenberg said.

The provost position is the University of Texas' chief academic officer and is responsible for college planning and advising, academic programs, faculty recruiting and management of the overall academic budget.

Goldenberg said there are many similarities between the cities of Ann Arbor and Austin.

"Austin itself is a great city - much like Ann Arbor - only warmer," Goldenberg said. "I think the issues at Texas are similar to those at Michigan, and I hope I have something to contribute."

At Michigan, Goldenberg was involved in the education of graduate students interested in careers in the public sector. As dean of LSA, she worked at enhancing programs in the humanities, sciences and social services. Goldenberg is also responsible for developing and implementing a major undergraduate initiative and for successfully completing a $180 million fundraising campaign for the arts and sciences, which was part of a $1.4 billion campaign for the University.

LSA senior Lisa Rush said she has been impressed with what Goldenberg has done for the University.

"When I think of LSA, I can't help but associate the college with Dean Goldenberg," Rush said. "I remember reading about her in Michigan literature before I came here and couldn't help being impressed."

Goldenberg said her time at the University will always hold a special meaning for her.

"It's been wonderful to work with the faculty, students, staff and other administrators on a whole series of efforts - from recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty to building new buildings and renovation old ones; from moving the many aspects of the undergraduate initiative forward to completing the most successful fundraising campaign in the school's history," Goldenberg said.

Goldenberg said she has enjoyed her time at the University and is looking forward to becoming a part of the University of Texas.

"I feel a sense of collective accomplishment and now feel ready to take on another challenge," Goldenberg said.

LSA is the largest academic unit at the University, with approximately two-thirds of all undergraduates, one-third of the faculty, 30 programs, 23 departments, a budget of more than $200 million and 35 buildings.

Goldenberg has also served as director of the Institute of Public Policy Studies at the University, and worked for more than two years at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management on reforms to the federal civil service system.

Goldenberg received her undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1967 and her master's and doctorate degrees from Stanford University. She joined the University's faculty in 1974.

Goldenberg's resignation will be effective August 31. She had originally planned to return to the faculty of LSA and School of Public Policy after taking a one-year leave but her appointment has changed those plans.

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