Provost Carman and the university released statements as a “personnel” shift resulted in the resignation of Carman as provost: made effective almost immediately after the announcement was made.
On the official UW release, Seidel states, ““Provost Carman has helped lead our university through a period of change and has played a key role in positioning us for success in the future, I deeply appreciate his many contributions and will miss his collegial counsel.”
This release came in conjunction with a release from the Provost himself from the academic affairs office to all employees on campus. The statement iterates that, “We understand change in leadership inevitably creates uncertainty. While we await the appointment of an Interim Provost, please know the entire Academic Affairs administrative team in the Provost’s Office is continuing to move forward the necessary and important work already occurring across campus.”
From Carman himself, the context of this resignation is put into more perspective, “President Seidel informed me last Friday that he needs to make a change in the Provost position. I respect his decision and will end my appointment at the close of business today. I look forward to joining my colleagues in Zoology & Physiology as a faculty member.”
Within this capacity, the resignation was a decision made primarily by Seidel and his team. Based on Carman’s quotation within his statement, this was not an idea he himself had.
When consulting individuals for interview on this story, multiple individuals shared that they could not provide information for undisclosed reasonings.
Seidel was asked a multitude of questions over email through which general responses were given in a relatively stock format. When asked “why the sudden personnel shift” and “why the accelerated timeline” the responses provided were both, “Dr. Carman selected the date for his resignation to become effective.” This was followed by a general lack of answers to the questions regarding the factors and reasonings due to confidentiality.
Unfortunately President Seidel is unable to discuss specific matters publically as he disclosed in stating, “Personnel decisions are typically confidential by nature” and “I am unable to discuss personnel issues publicly.”
These answers were given in response to asking about why individuals could not discuss the resignation with me and also what the factors were leading to the resignation.
However, despite Seidel stating that “I have not observed this transition to be contentious,” he stated in his quote that he is unable to discuss personnel “issues” publicly. This indicates that rather than a transition for simple logistical or planning reasons, the shift was in response to what is considered to be a personnel “issue.”
As far as the future, Saddle-Up will remain strong in Carman’s absence. Seidel applauds the program and “remains committed to the success of our institution and its students, faculty, and staff. Change, while challenging, provides new opportunities to think about our work and ensure we’re doing our best to serve our students and the state of Wyoming.”
In addition, there is a plan to launch a search for the next Provost and Executive Vice President; with a recommendation for the interim Provost coming at the October Board of Trustees meeting on the 16th coming from Seidel.
Ultimately Seidel and his team, while being unable to discuss the details to most of our questions, are hopeful and committed to the continued success of UW and students.
