Skip to content

Mark Richards to step down as provost in summer 2023

As we approach the start of the academic year next month, I’m writing to let you know 2022–23 will be Mark Richards’ last year as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Mark plans to step down as provost in summer 2023, after he completes his five-year term in the position. He will retain his position as professor of Earth and Space Sciences in the College of the Environment and continue his research and teaching as a geophysicist.

Responding to community concerns about policing on campus

As our nation once more grapples with the epidemic of police violence against Black people and systemic racism more broadly, many faculty, students, staff and other community members have expressed concerns about policing on the Seattle campus, including about the UW Police Department’s relationship with the Seattle Police Department.

Provost’s Town Hall offered insight and vision

I had the pleasure of attending Provost Mark Richards’ first Town Hall yesterday and his talk was a great demonstration of his thoughtful but action-oriented leadership. His talk showed how quickly he has zeroed in on our incredible strengths as a leading global research university while offering a realistic assessment of the areas in which we can – indeed must – invest more time, energy and, yes, money if we are to have an even greater impact.