Dr. Thomas Nenon, provost for the University of Memphis, will be stepping down from his role, according to emails sent out to faculty and staff from both Nenon and Dr. David Rudd, the university’s current president.
Dr. Abby Parill-Baker will serve as interim provost, effective July 1.
"As we now emerge from the pandemic in the strongest position ever for our University, I have decided that it is now time for me to return to my role as full-time faculty for the coming academic year. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have served our University and am pleased to know that President Rudd has identified an interim Provost who will provide continuity and stability to maintain the progress we have made," Nenon said.
Parill-Baker has been with the university since 1998 and currently serves as its dean for the College of Arts and Sciences as well as a professor in the chemistry department.
“She has done an excellent job as Dean of Arts & Sciences, and I have full confidence in her ability to serve our University as Chief Academic Officer,” Rudd said.
Nenon’s decision to step down is another shake up in an already transitional time for the university as Rudd steps down at the end of this month.
Dr. Bill Hardgrave, who was recently elected to take over for Rudd by the university’s board of trustees, will begin his time as a tiger on April 1.
Hardgrave was previously the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Auburn University, positions he has held since January 2018. He was also previously dean of its Harbert College of Business from August 2010 to December 2017.
Rudd will be taking a year-long sabbatical before returning to serve as a professor in the psychology department and it appears that Nenon will be taking a similar path once he leaves his position.
Rudd said that Nenon will also take a sabbatical, although it is unclear for how long.
Nenon said, however, that he will return in the coming academic year.
After Nenon's return, Rudd said that Nenon will “continue as an active and engaged faculty member” as well as be recognized as a distinguished university professor of philosophy.
Dr. Thomas Nenon
Dr. Abby Parill-Baker
