Provost’s office transitions successful cluster initiatives to independence

The University of Iowa Office of the Provost this spring transitioned all seven faculty cluster areas to independence after nearly 10 years of direct oversight. The cluster areas no longer report directly to the provost’s office, and these multidisciplinary initiatives are encouraged to continue with leadership and activities determined by the participants.  

The Office of the Provost launched the Cluster Hire Initiative in 2009 as part of the 2010–16 strategic plan, Renewing the Iowa Promise: Great Opportunities—Bold Expectations. The initiative’s goal was to hire tenured and tenure-track faculty to facilitate multidisciplinary scholarship, instruction, and public service focused on “Grand Challenges” of the 21st century. These challenges include aging populations, genetics, and environmental sustainability.

“I am delighted that this initiative has achieved great success in recruiting and mentoring outstanding faculty,” says Sue Curry, interim executive vice president and provost. “The cluster initiative has expanded funded research and scholarship, and it has grown innovative, interdisciplinary educational programs. With faculty recruitment in the clusters now complete, we believe that they have achieved a point of maturation that allows them to function independently.”

As part of the initiative, more than 80 faculty were hired in seven areas: Aging Mind and Brain, Genetics, Informatics, Obesity Research and Education, Public Digital Arts, Public Humanities in a Digital World, and Water Sustainability. Faculty hired through cluster initiatives have had high retention rates and nearly half are now tenured or have received an extension on their tenure clock.

Curry and Kevin Kregel, associate provost for faculty, communicated with cluster directors about the transition. Each cluster area can determine its own leadership in consultation with its faculty and the leadership at affiliated colleges. 

Faculty members in the clusters will be able to continue their cluster-related instruction as part of their teaching expectations. In addition, tenure-track faculty who have not yet been evaluated for promotion and tenure will have the opportunity for senior faculty in their cluster to participate in their review, according to the provost’s office.