SUBJECT:

Appointment of Sixth College Provost

It is my pleasure to announce that Professor Naomi Oreskes of the department of History has been appointed as the next Provost of Sixth College.

A highly regarded Professor of History and Science Studies, Dr. Oreskes has been a member of the UCSD faculty since 1998. Her research focuses on the historical development of scientific knowledge, methods, and practices in the earth and environmental sciences. Her most recent work deals with the science of climate change, specifically on the societal framing and reception of the scientific consensus on global warming. Her 2004 essay "The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change," led to editorial pieces in prestigious publications including the Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle, and was cited in the academy-award winning film, "An Inconvenient Truth." She has held grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the American Philosophical Society, and is listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Science and Engineering.

Professor Oreskes has a strong record of innovative, interdisciplinary undergraduate teaching and will be an effective advocate for Sixth College's commitment to interdisciplinary work. She has received excellent course and professor evaluations for her teaching in the Sixth College core sequence Culture, Art, and Technology (CAT), which examines the development of and interconnections among culture, art, and technology. Professor Oreskes served for three years as Director of the Science Studies Program and has a wide array of University service including co-chairing the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women and membership on the UCSD Center for the Humanities Executive Committee and the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation.

Her extensive interdisciplinary research and teaching on issues related to science, technology, and culture, together with her administrative experience and strong commitment to undergraduate education make Professor Oreskes exceptionally well-suited to provide leadership as Provost of Sixth College. I am delighted that she has accepted this important and challenging position and hope that you will join me in offering her your best wishes and support. Professor Oreskes' appointment will become effective July 1, 2008.

I am delighted that F. Richard "Dick" Moore, Professor of Computer Music and longtime member of the Sixth College Executive Committee has enthusiastically agreed to serve as Interim Provost during the Spring quarter. Professor Moore joined the UCSD music faculty in 1979, founding the Computer Audio Research Laboratory (CARL Project) at the UCSD Center for Music Experiment and Related Research (now Center for Research in Computing and the Arts). He directed the Center from 1982 to 1991.

Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and former Warren College Provost David Jordan has graciously served as Interim Provost for the Fall and Winter quarters, but is unable to continue due to teaching commitments. His decade of distinguished service as Provost made him an exceptional Interim for Sixth College. I am enormously grateful to Dick and David for their dedication and exemplary service to Sixth College and the University.

A news release with additional information regarding Professor Oreskes' appointment may be found at:

http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/newsrel/awards/02-08NaomiOreskes.asp

Paul W. Drake Senior Vice Chancellor