University News

Hawkinson Named Provost

December 5, 2011

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- Ken Hawkinson, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Illinois University, has been named provost and academic vice president at WIU, effective Jan. 1, 2012.

Hawkinson has served as interim provost since July 1. Prior to that appointment, he had served as the associate provost and associate vice president for budget, planning and personnel since June 2008.

Hawkinson was the associate dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication from 2005-2008, and he served as chair of the communication department from 1997-2007. Hawkinson has served on various University committees, including serving two years as vice chair of the Faculty Senate and serving as chair of the Council on Admission, Graduation and Academic Standards. He was the vice president and president of the WIU Chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois and also served as president-elect, president and past president of the Illinois Speech and Theatre Association.

"Dr. Hawkinson's broad experience in academic affairs, including developing and implementing academic programs and budget, planning, personnel and contract administration oversight, and his many years at Western Illinois University will allow the University to move forward to further enhance academic programs and initiatives," Thomas said.

He joined the Western Illinois faculty in 1988 as an assistant professor in the communication arts and sciences department. During 1990-91, Hawkinson was named a Fulbright Scholar and served as a professor teaching American studies at the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso (West Africa), while conducting research on African folklore and oral tradition. During his 23-year tenure at Western, he has received three Faculty Excellence awards.

Hawkinson earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Western and his Ph.D. in speech communication from Southern Illinois University. He served as a U.S. Army officer from 1979-82, and from 1986-88 he served in Mali, West Africa, as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

His annual salary will be $185,000.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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