Dr. Kenneth Kitts accepts Provost position
By Kayloni Wyatt
Editor
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Dr. Kenneth Kitts has been appointed by Chancellor Kyle R. Carter as Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for UNCP. He will take charge of the Division of Academic Affairs on April 1.
“He had widespread support throughout the campus, and I am confident that he is the right match for the university at this time in its history,” Chancellor Carter said in an email Feb. 9.
Dr. Kitts was the final of four candidates to visit the campus and interact with students, staff and faculty. During the open forum on Jan. 27, Dr. Kitts said he wanted to come to UNCP because:
“I get your mission, I embrace it and celebrate it,” he said.
Dr. Kitts was previously the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C.
“He possesses the values, experiences and qualities that will help UNCP continue its development as a comprehensive regional university,” Chancellor Carter said.
"First, Dr. Kitts is a teacher/scholar who understands the faculty role and can serve as a role model for our faculty. He will be a strong leader for faculty members.
"Second, students will learn that Dr. Kitts has high expectations for them, and he will work to assure their success.
"Finally, he has gained tremendous experience in his eight years as Associate Provost at Francis Marion University,” Chancellor Carter said in the email.
The provost search began April 2010 and lasted 10 months.
"I think he's an excellent choice. He's from a university with the same background as ours. They have the same problems as we do, especially budget wise," said Dr. Elizabeth Normandy, interim associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and chair of the search committee.
“Counting last April, the administration and search committee spent 10 months looking for the right person to help UNCP transition to greater expectations and successes,” Chancellor Carter said. "I am confident that he shares the values, experiences and qualities that will help UNCP accomplish its goals."
Dr. Kitts, 47, is a native of Waynesville, N.C., and attended Appalachian State University for his B.A. and M.A. degrees in political science. He earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University of South Carolina.
