Owens provost to retire Jan. 1

12/15/2009

Owens Community College Provost Paul Unger is leaving the college.

Mr. Unger announced Tuesday his retirement effective Jan. 1, at the end of the current fall semester.

His departure occurs at the same time Owens President Christa Adams leaves the institution, effectively ridding the college of its top two administrators.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure at Owens Community College over that last 18 years and am proud of all the accomplishments that I have been able to be a part of in serving our community," Mr. Unger said in a statement.

He declined through a college spokesman to discuss his retirement.

Mr. Unger's departure comes at a time when some were calling on him to take responsibility for the college losing national accreditation for its registered nursing program.

The Owens Faculty Association had passed a vote of no confidence in the provost.

Mr. Unger had been appointed acting president in the wake of Ms. Adams leaving the college.

The Owens Community College Board of Trustees will need to hasten its search for an interim president to serve until a permanent president can be found through a planned national search.

Owens' Vice Provost Dr. Renay Scott will be named to the position of interim provost effective Jan. 1.

Mr. Unger came to Owens as vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer in July, 1992 and he has served as provost since September, 2002.

His salary is $182,844.

Before coming to Owens, Mr. Unger was dean of business at Lima Technical College.