2 BGSU officials to leave for new opportunities

12/18/2008

Baugher

BOWLING GREEN - Two Bowling Green State University administrators are leaving the school to pursue other opportunities.

Shirley Baugher, provost and vice president of academic affairs, is resigning effective Monday for family reasons.

James M. Smith, vice president for economic development and regional growth, has been named president of Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.

Ms. Baugher, who joined BGSU in June, 2007, came from the University of Minnesota, where she was dean emeritus of the college of human ecology and a professor in the department of family social science.

While her resignation is effective in a few days, she has agreed to assist with the transition and key projects over the next 90 days, interim President Carol Cartwright said.

"During her tenure here, Shirley has been instrumental in launching a number of initiatives that are absolutely essential to BGSU's future," Ms. Cartwright said.

"I appreciate her work preparing the university to meet the opportunities of the new state system of higher education," she said.

Mark Gromko, vice provost for academic programs, will serve as interim provost during the spring semester.

Mr. Smith will stay at BGSU through this school year and will begin his duties as president of the South Dakota university on July 1.

Mr. Smith previously served as dean of BGSU's Firelands campus in Huron, Ohio.

Under his leadership, enrollment increased by more than 30 percent and an $8 million facility, the Cedar Point Center, was added to campus.

He said that experience will help him lead the small NSU, to which he was attracted because of the university's economic development efforts and focus on distance learning.