Interim vice president for University Relations named

COLUMBUS – Barbara Snyder, a vice provost in the Office of Academic Affairs and professor in the Moritz College of Law, has been named Interim Vice President for University Relations, Ohio State President Karen A. Holbrook announced today. The appointment of Snyder, who handles academic policy and human resources, is subject to approval by the university’s Board of Trustees at its Dec. 6 meeting.

“Barbara brings excellent management skills to this position, and will be able to help University Relations maintain its positive momentum,” Holbrook said. “It is critical to share the accomplishments of our faculty, staff, and students with friends, alumni, and supporters throughout Ohio and the nation.”

Snyder is filling the position on an interim basis until a permanent replacement for Lee Tashjian is found. Tashjian begins a new job Dec. 1 as vice president – communications for the Fluor Corp., one of the world’s largest publicly owned engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services organizations.

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.

Holbrook also announced that Bill Shkurti, senior vice president for business and finance, will lead the search committee for Tashjian’s permanent replacement. A committee will be named shortly.

Once a permanent replacement is named, Snyder will return to her position in Academic Affairs. In the mean time, Carole Anderson, vice provost for academic administration, will handle Snyder’s primary responsibilities.