Loh Named Provost - From the Daily Iowan

Wallace Loh of Seattle University has been appointed the new UI provost and executive vice president, UI President Sally Mason announced Wednesday.

"It feels wonderful," Loh said. "I'm so thrilled and happy. I feel honored."

He was one of five finalists who interviewed for the position. Mason flew out to Seattle on March 22 to offer the job, said Loh, who is the dean of arts and sciences and professor of public service and psychology at Seattle University.

Mason praised the entire pool of candidates but said Loh's ability to connect in a meaningful way with different groups on campus distinguished him from the rest.

Since arriving at Seattle University in 1999, the school has seen a 60 percent increase in faculty and the doubling in the number of women and minority faculty, the development of new majors and other programs, and $8 million in gifts and grants.

"Given his knowledge base, his vision, and his experience, he will get off to a very fast start," Mason said.

Loh said he is looking forward to working with her and the UI vice presidents and deans as a team. He also called Mason an "inspirational leader" who "walks the walk" and doesn't just "talk the talk."

"I hope to work with President Mason and to take [the UI] to the next level of greatness," Loh said.

Although this will be Loh's first job in Iowa, it isn't his first academic experience here. When Loh arrived in the United States when he was 15, he started college at Iowa Wesleyan College and then transferred to Grinnell College, graduating in 1965.

"He's a very experienced administrator and relates well to faculty, students, and staff," O'Hara said.


Loh said he has many specific things he is interested in at the UI including undergraduate education - a passion of his - and the health sciences - "a crown jewel of Iowa." He also thinks the UI should assist the Iowa City area and its surrounding as well.

"The university should give back to the community that supports it," Loh said.

Amen. Bonzo