In a letter addressed to the Peace community Tuesday, President Debra Townsley announced that Provost Debbie Cottrell will be leaving the university for a position as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Texas Lutheran University in Sequin, Texas.
“What mixed reactions I have at announcing this news, but I must say that I am so happy for Debbie and her family,” Townsley wrote. “She and Alan are from Texas and still have family there. They are hopeful that Alan will also find employment in Texas and that the family will reunite without the long commute that comes from a couple working in two different states. And, Andy, their son, will be near family, for his high school years.”
Cottrell’s last day will be June 15th.
Townsley said Peace will now be searching for a Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We will also be moving forward with a restructuring of our Student and Academic Services area and will hire a Vice President for Student Services to begin this summer,” she said. The new VP for Student Services will oversee Residence Life, Student Activities, Counseling/Health, and Athletics.
In this process, Townsley has asked Dean Jerry Nuesell to retain his leadership role in academic services, leading Peace’s advising, learning services, and career services areas while continuing to focus on the high priority area of retention.