March 07, 2007
Dr. Robert A. Levy has announced his intention to retire as University of Tennessee vice president for academic affairs and student success at the end of 2007. A search for Levy's successor is expected to begin later this spring, UT President John D. Petersen said.
Levy joined the university staff as assistant to the vice president for academic affairs in 1973, after earning a Ph.D. in English from UT. He advanced professionally within that office until his July 2004 interim appointment as vice president for academic affairs. He was officially named to the post in June 2006, and with the launch of a five-year strategic plan in September 2006, Levy's title was changed to reflect his office's expanded responsibilities for student success, a strategic focus area.
"Bob Levy's career has been dedicated to the University of Tennessee, and in more than 30 years here, he has been a passionate educator, earned the respect of his colleagues, and provided solid leadership to the institution," Petersen said. "His understanding of the university, his insight and his counsel were invaluable to the strategic planning process, and to me, personally.
"I am grateful for Bob's many years of service and commitment to the University of Tennessee."
In addition to being an active consultant, writer, and presenter, Levy has dealt with such diverse issues as academic leadership training; library organization and automation; performance funding; intellectual property; desegregation; academic program assessment; accreditation; international education; continuing education and distance learning; development of new academic programs; Centers and Chairs of Excellence; strategic planning; and development of faculty personnel policies. He also has been a classroom teacher throughout his administrative career at UT.
Levy earned a master's degree in English from Temple University in 1967 and a bachelor's degree in English from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1965
