Dr. Shelly Blunt, associate professor of chemistry, has been named as the interim assistant provost for Academic Affairs. Provost Ronald S. Rochon announced the appointment on Monday, May 7.  

“Dr. Blunt is a gifted teacher and scholar, as well as an excellent campus leader,” Dr. Rochon said. “She truly understands the value of campus community, and having her in this role will allow the University to move forward on a number of key initiatives this year.”

Dr. Blunt arrived at USI in 1999, having completed her Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Iowa, and after teaching one year at Southern Illinois University 1998-99. Dr. Blunt was promoted to associate professor in 2005, and a year later became associate dean of the Pott College of Science and Engineering.

“As associate dean, Dr. Blunt has taken on increasing responsibilities and expanded roles within the Pott College and University community,” said Dr. Scott Gordon, dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. “She is an effective administrator who has developed the aptitude, skills, and breadth of knowledge to continue her success in the role of interim assistant provost.” 

 A strong advocate for students, Dr. Blunt has served on the University Advising Committee and coordinated the Early Undergraduate Research program in the Pott College. She directed the Pott Foundation Tri-State Science and Engineering Fair each year that it has been hosted at USI. Along with Dean Gordon, Dr. Blunt has been an active leader in a host of Southwest Indiana STEM initiatives, and she has served as principal investigator for a number of important grants in the college.

Dr. Blunt will begin her new duties on July 1, 2012.