Meera Komarraju has been approved as the permanent provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at SIUC by the Board of Trustees.

Komarraju was officially nominated to the position on Nov. 22 after being named the sole applicant for the position on Nov. 14. 

(See more: Komarraju nominated for permanent provost) 

Faculty Senate President Segun Ojewuyi presented a list of concerns from students and people within the Carbondale community at the Thursday board meeting. 

These concerns were about enrollment, faculty morale and a general distrust with the board. 

“The distrust is not just for local administration,” Ojewuyi said. “It is also about the system as a whole.” 

Previously the Graduate Professional Student Council sent a letter with ‘deep concern’ to Interim Chancellor John Dunn. The Faculty Association also sent a letter calling the internal search for the provost ‘highly unusual.’ 

(See more: GPSC sends letter with ‘deep concerns’ regarding provost search)

Before serving as interim provost, Komarraju served as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. She has also served as the director for the Department of Psychology’s undergraduate program, chair of the department, and associate dean for student and curricular affairs at the College of Liberal Arts. 

In a press release, Komarraju said she is grateful to be nominated by the Board of Trustees and that she is honored to be approved to this position. 

“I am deeply grateful to be recommended to the Board of Trustees,” Komarraju said. “I am greatly honored to serve the SIU community and advance it in partnership with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.” 

The Board of Trustees approved several measures within the same motion, including Komarraju’s appointment and salary, and 15 other items including appointment and salary approval for three other positions; recognition of distinguished faculty; and honorary degree awards. 

Staff reporter Bethany Rentfro can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @BethanyRentfro.

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