Photo note: To download a photo of Coclanis, see the end of the release.

CHAPEL HILL – Dr. Peter A. Coclanis, Albert R. Newsome professor and chairman of the history department, has been named to the new post of associate provost for international affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Coclanis will provide leadership for the university’s international endeavors, serving as an ambassador, as a spokesperson as an advocate for international interests, and as a facilitator of international activities, said Dr. Robert Shelton, executive vice chancellor and provost. Shelton made the appointment and announced it today (Sept. 24) at the UNC Board of Trustees University Affairs Committee.

Coclanis begins work in the new post Dec. 1, 2003. Establishment of the associate provost’s office is being made possible by an anonymous $1 million private gift to the Carolina First campaign.

The associate provost will have a primary leadership role in the articulation and continued development of the university’s global mission. Functions of this new office include coordinating efforts with deans and senior administrators to create a long-term vision and plan to make the university a leading international institution as well as generating campus-wide grant proposals to fund international research, teaching and service.

In addition, the associate provost’s duties include facilitating communication among schools, the College of Arts and Sciences and centers and institutes, as well as coordinating international activities on campus; providing resources for international activities, including seed money for international initiatives, competitive research grants for research abroad for faculty and students, and competitive grants for inviting visiting professors and scholars from abroad; and working to enhance the recognition of international activities on campus.

Coclanis is a well-known scholar whose research interests have focused on the global arena for several years. He has published widely on globalization and has conducted research on four continents. He spent a Fulbright year in Southeast Asia and has collaborated with senior scholars in Germany, Singapore, China and Saudi Arabia.

As chairman of the history department, Coclanis demonstrated excellent administration and leadership skills, helping to guide one of Carolina’s premier departments, Shelton said. Most recently, he directed UNC’s inaugural Asian Immersion Program.

"I am delighted that Peter has agreed to serve in this capacity," Shelton said. "He is one of Carolina’s most renowned faculty members, known for his extraordinary analytical and communication skills. His administrative experience represents an added resource he brings to this position."

Added Coclanis, " We must maximize the potential of the exceptional array of resources we have in order to make Carolina a truly international institution. I look forward to helping us meet that challenge, working with my great colleagues on campus and with a variety of individuals around the world."

- 30 -

 

Photo URL: http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/faculty/coclanis_peter.jpg

Note: Shelton can be reached in the Office of the Provost, (919) 962-2198.

Contact: Mike McFarland, (919) 962-8593