Vander Hill, who also serves as vice president for academic affairs, will begin a two-year special appointment as a distinguished professor of environmental studies and presidential liaison next summer.

President Blaine A. Brownell made the announcement Aug. 17 at the fall faculty meeting in Emens Auditorium.

"I want to extend thanks on behalf of the entire university community to our provost, and my friend and colleague, Dr. Warren Vander Hill, who will leave this important office after many years of distinguished service," Brownell said. "Dr. Vander Hill has been immensely helpful to me over the past year and provided superb leadership in the development of the university's first comprehensive strategic plan."

Vander Hill will continue to teach courses in American environmental history and also serve as the president's principal liaison to the newly formed University-wide Council on the Environment.

He also will help coordinate efforts to develop new academic degree programs in the area of environmental studies.

Vander Hill came to Ball State as a history professor in 1968 and assumed his current post in 1986.

During his address to the faculty, Vander Hill reviewed his career and highlighted several outstanding moments and issues.

"Academic life has never been boring, but rather a constantly changing, enriching experience with the achievement of tenure and progression through the academic ranks," Vander Hill said. "My evolving interest in environmental studies has led to my passion to see Ball State become known as 'The Green Campus.'

"Finally, with the positions of associate provost and provost and vice president for academic affairs came the opportunity to do my part in making a difference across the Ball State landscape," he said.

Ball State will immediately begin a nationwide search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs with a potential deadline of February or March 2002. Ron Johnstone, dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities, will chair the search committee. Other members of the search committee will be announced by Sept. 1.

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, Vander Hill may be reached by e-mail at wvanderh@bsu.edu or by phone at (765) 285-1333.)