Warwick Arden is ready to tackle a new role in the UNC-System. Currently serving as provost and executive vice chancellor of N.C. State, Arden oversees the faculty and academic programs at the University. Appointed in June to serve as the interim senior vice president for academic affairs, Arden stepped into this role for the 17-campus UNC-System this month.
This position will include working with the UNC General Administration and President Tom Ross in the management of the system’s academic programs and policies.
“We have a lot going on at N.C. State,” Arden said. “I’m very dedicated and am focused on working hard to maintain our momentum.”
Despite soon having to juggle both of these positions, Arden does not foresee the new position to have any adverse effect on his ability to handle his responsibilities at N.C. State.
“It’s very important to me that I’m not distracted from that,” Arden said.
Similarities exist between both positions, which Arden plans to use to his advantage. In his position as provost and interim senior vice president, Arden will be dealing with the academic side of student affairs and the approval of relating programs and policies.
“I hope to expand my knowledge and to bring insight into how things work back to N.C. State,” Arden said.
Prior to his positions as provost and executive vice chancellor, Arden also served as the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Arden also stresses the importance of new academic research collaborations and the advancement of students’ success.
“The success of our students is a widespread goal across all of our campuses,” Arden said.
The search for a permanent senior vice president will continue even as Arden steps into the role.
Current senior vice president Suzanne Ortega has accepted a leading position with the Council of Graduate Schools in Washington, D.C.
Through his appointment to this new position, Arden is optimistic of the impact it will bring to N.C. State and the rest of the UNC-System universities.
“I want to develop a deeper understanding while gaining tools that will be helpful in my work at N.C. State,” he said. “I have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to higher education.”
