Holbrook names interim provost for Ohio State

COLUMBUS – Barbara Snyder, who currently serves as interim vice president for University Relations, has been named interim executive vice president and provost at The Ohio State University effective July 28, President Karen A. Holbrook announced on Friday (6/27). Snyder is a vice provost in the Office of Academic Affairs and professor in the Moritz College of Law.

For the interim position, Holbrook said she wanted to select an individual with leadership ability; an understanding of operations in the Office of Academic Affairs; the respect of faculty, staff, students, deans, vice presidents, and a strong working relationship with each group; an understanding about the university, the Academic and Diversity Plans; and an effective working relationship with the Board of Trustees, the University Senate and the student governments.

“All of these criteria describe Barbara Snyder,” Holbrook said. “I personally look forward to working with her in this role and know that Ohio State will benefit greatly from her leadership.”

Snyder is filling the position until a permanent replacement for Edward J. Ray, the current executive vice president and provost, is selected. Ray has been named president of Oregon State University, effective July 31.

A 1976 Ohio State graduate, Snyder earned a law degree from the University of Chicago and practiced law in Chicago. She has been a member of the law faculty here since 1988. She currently holds the Joanne W. Murphy/Class of 1965 Professorship in the Moritz College of Law and, from 2000 to 2001, she served as the college’s associate dean for academic affairs.

She was named to her current academic affairs position in August 2001. In that position, she works closely with the Office of Human Resources to manage academic personnel appointments, leaves and promotion and tenure review. She also coordinates searches, evaluations and appointments of deans, directors and chairs, as well as a number of faculty and staff recognition programs.

Glen Hoffsis, executive dean of Health Sciences and dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, will chair a search committee to find Ray’s permanent replacement. The search committee will be announced shortly.