Provost Brian Foster will retire effective Jan. 1, 2014, Chancellor Brady J. Deaton announced Wednesday. Foster became provost in August 2005.
He was instrumental in the creation of Mizzou Advantage, which launched in 2010 to foster and promote interdisciplinary research partnerships on campus.
“His commitment to quality has been apparent in moving MU forward in many areas, including economic development, MU’s research profile, retaining and hiring the best deans and faculty, increasing our enrollment, and assuring the best possible education for all MU students,” Deaton said.
Foster’s commitment to economic development contributed significantly to the successful recruitment of firms to Columbia, Deaton said, and has helped develop important relationships throughout the state. For example, an increased presence in Kansas City has produced important research relationships with businesses and other organizations.
Deputy Provost Ken Dean will be interim provost until the next provost is selected, Deaton said.