John Moore, UCSD professor of linguistics and director of the linguistics department’s Heritage Language Program, was chosen this week to become the next Muir College provost. The Feb. 12 announcement came after a quarter-long search conducted by the Muir College Provost Search Committee. Moore will replace current provost Susan Smith, effective Sept. 1, 2013, after completing his term as chair of the Academic Senate Committee on Academic Personnel in August. Smith will step down from her position as provost and as a faculty member in the department of visual arts on June 30, 2013, and will be replaced by acting provost James Lin for the months of July and August.
Moore, a scholar in Spanish syntax and grammatical encoding of semantic arguments, has been a faculty member since 1992, as well as department chair, departmental diversity representative and chair of the Muir College Faculty Executive Committee at various times during his tenure.
Moore said that he decided to apply for the position of Muir Provost because of his interest in education and the college experience.
“I have been involved in Muir affairs, largely through the Faculty Executive Committee, so this seemed a way I could further my commitment to the college and work to support undergraduates at UCSD,” Moore said.
During his first year as provost, Moore plans to work with student organizations in planning college events, and says he will work closely with Smith during spring quarter to ensure a smooth transition.
Before leaving in September, Smith will focus on launching a few last initiatives, including a Wilderness Orientation program for freshmen, a program of grants for students working in environmental preservation and sustainability and completing the renovation of Middle of Muir.
Smith, who will retire to pursue the field of art history and spend time with family and friends, said that she could not be happier with the appointment of Moore.
“John has been closely involved with the college for years — he’s part of the family,” Smith said. “I know him to be someone who truly cares about undergraduates, and I look forward to working with him this spring.”
Moore will continue as a professor in the linguistics department after assuming his position as provost, but he will not teach for the department in the coming year. He hopes to return to the department in a limited capacity and will reintroduce his Global Seminar program in Cadiz, Spain in the future.
