Statement from Provost Regarding Dr. Timothy Chandler

Statement from Robert G. Frank, Kent State University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Regarding Timothy Chandler

“I am pleased to report to the Kent State University family and community that Dr. Timothy Chandler will continue to stay here at Kent State and serve as our senior associate provost. Dr. Chandler has been a valuable citizen to our community and has served Kent State for nearly 20 years.

Though this news of Dr. Chandler staying at Kent State is very positive for us, it comes after a few stressful and difficult weeks for Dr. Chandler and his family. As you may know, Dr. Chandler was recently announced to become the provost and chief academic officer at Kennesaw State University in Georgia after a search committee and leaders of the university screened, vetted and selected him from more than 100 candidates. Since the announcement, there has been a sensationalized misrepresentation by local media in Georgia of one of Dr. Chandler’s publications he co-authored in 1998.

Dr. Chandler has been subjected to personal and very public attacks against his character and reputation. These undeserved attacks are baseless and unfounded. This unfortunate circumstance illustrates the importance of academic freedom and freedom of speech, beliefs we all hold dear and should rigorously protect. As an institution of higher learning, we challenge our students and others to examine different aspects of our world, to think critically and to expand our intellectual horizons.

It was Dr. Chandler’s decision to withdraw from the Kennesaw State position. As he puts it, he didn’t want his presence as the new provost to be “a lightning rod for campus polarization and community discord, or to create a tense or stressful atmosphere” for his family. Certainly, their loss is our gain.

During his tenure here, Dr. Chandler also has served as a member of the faculty, associate dean and dean. He has made significant contributions to the university, including his leadership of a comprehensive revision of the Liberal Education Requirements, now called the Kent Core, and revamping our freshmen orientation program, called Destination Kent State. His dedication to ensuring student success is commendable.

We love Tim, and we’re happy to have him stay at Kent State. I look forward to the continued contributions he will make to our great community and institution.”

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Media Contact:
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595