In the next few weeks, Chancellor Martin and a select board of Washington University committee members will begin searching for a new provost to take the place of Provost Thorp, who stepped down July 15, 2019. In the meantime, and as interim provost Marion Crane temporarily steps into the office, Washington University is faced with a transition period rife with opportunity for change and advancement. Student Life’s Editorial Board views this transition period as an opportunity to voice what type of candidate we think would benefit the Washington University campus.

The first logical step in identifying our ideal candidate is to examine what the role of a provost entails and how the ideal candidate would approach the responsibilities associated with the title.

The role of a provost is, in short, to oversee the academic wellbeing of the university. The umbrella term of academic wellbeing encompasses all “planning, budgeting and facilities” related to academics, as well as diversity, outreach and innovation in each of the aforementioned areas.

From the future Office of the Provost, we hope for more clarity and transparency, and to know not only the decisions that will be made, but also the reasoning behind these decisions. We want a provost whose ties are not only to the University as an entity, but more closely to the students and faculty who make up Wash. U. and the commitment of whom we never doubt.

An ideal provost candidate not only professes to be an advocate of student wellbeing, but has a history of being an ardent supporter of every aspect relating to student wellness. This includes, but is not limited to: advocating for increased diversity on campus in terms of race, ethnicity and other backgrounds; being critical of the university when appropriate, and being unfazed by ties to the corporate realm of education, but instead devoted to those whom the University is meant to serve. Someone who not only hears, but listens to, accounts for and protects the voices of students and their needs, wants and aspirations; believes in their own message and has a vision for the positive trajectory of Wash. U.; and is making tangible strides toward achieving that vision.

We want an advocate of the student body—the group who will be most affected by the future provost’s decisions— and communication and transparency are crucial to the advocacy which the community of Wash. U. deserves. This is why the Student Life Editorial Board feels an inside hire would be preferable in a provost candidate. An insider would be familiar with the environment of the campus, including navigating the politics and issues contemporary (and some entirely too familiar) to Wash. U. This is especially important when considering Chancellor Martin’s recent inauguration to office. We want someone who will navigate the issues surrounding Wash. U., who is especially committed to increasing the growth of our campus through diversity, who truly grasps the gravity of Title IX Committee being part of the Office of the Provost and embraces the responsibility that accompanies it, and who furthers efforts to make the campus full of innovation and possibility, specifically in terms of cross-disciplinary pursuits and academic exploration.

More than anything, we hope that Chancellor Martin and the committee also prioritize this level of advocacy and commitment as they continue the search for a future provost who will hold up these ideals.