Dear Colleagues:
If ever a university president benefitted from having a thoughtful, capable and consummate
professional as their second in command during a crisis, I certainly have been fortunate
over the COVID-19 pandemic to have Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic
Affairs Adrienne McCormick by my side. I write you today to share that Adrienne has
accepted a position as Provost at the University of Redlands in Redlands, Calif. Her
last day at Winthrop will be July 7.
Adrienne joined the Winthrop family in July of 2018 when she became Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In her short time in that role, she made a large impact on the Winthrop faculty and the community in general. So much so, she was easily the top choice once she applied for and became a finalist in 2019 for the important role as head of Winthrop’s faculty and the leader of the Academic Affairs division.
Few people have the energy and enthusiasm I have seen Adrienne display as she increasingly juggled major commitments over the last few years—continuation of a high-impact student academic success model despite a temporary, but necessary, shift to remote learning; the embrace of diversity and inclusion initiatives while we collectively struggled with hot-button issues that continue to roil our nation; and vital academic program review/revision/planning amid SACSCOC reaffirmation as well as ongoing enrollment and budgetary challenges. With all of these “opportunities,” Adrienne has exhibited collegiality and grace. I know her future is exceedingly bright.
I know you join me in wishing Adrienne and her family well. Of course, with Adrienne’s move, also comes the loss to Winthrop of her husband, Brian Davis, who has brought needed stability and student focus to the Winthrop Technology Services office. His ready smile and steady presence will be missed by our students especially.
We will name an interim Provost soon, and a search for Adrienne’s replacement will commence quickly. Please wish Adrienne and Brian well when you see them in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
George
George W. Hynd
