N.C. State picks insider as provost

Arden, 53, the former dean of N.C. State's College of Veterinary Medicine, has served as interim provost and executive vice chancellor since May 2009. He was one of three finalists for the provost position.

“Dr. Arden is a very accomplished scholar and educator and will provide tremendous leadership as we build on N.C. State's rich tradition in academic excellence,” Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a statement.

As the university’s chief academic officer, the provost oversees the policies and priorities that sustain educational excellence in academic and student affairs. The provost’s responsibilities include leading academic strategic planning and resource allocation and overseeing academic personnel matters, including faculty recruitment, hiring, retention, performance, promotion and tenure.

Arden's annual salary will be $315,000.

The other finalists for the post were Robert T. McGrath of Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio, and Cathryn R. Newton of Syracuse University.

Former Provost Larry Nielsen resigned in May 2009 amid questions over N.C. State's hiring of former first lady Mary Easley to a high-paying faculty position and her subsequent promotion.

Questions about Easley also led to the resignations of former Chancellor James Oblinger and McQueen Campbell, the chairman of N.C. State's Board of Trustees.