Simpson Names Genco UB's Interim Provost Effective Feb. 1

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- John B. Simpson, president-designate of the University at Buffalo, has named Robert J. Genco, a UB vice provost and SUNY Distinguished Professor, to be the university's interim provost effective Feb. 1, 2004.

At the same time, Simpson announced the launch of a national search to identify the successor of Elizabeth D. Capaldi, UB's provost, who will become vice chancellor and chief of staff for the State University of New York on Feb. 1. He said he expects to name a new provost before the beginning of the 2004 academic year.

In a memorandum to members of the UB community, Simpson said the search will be led by the firm of EMN/Witt/Kieffer, which was the national search firm that assisted the search committee that guided the presidential search effort that resulted in Simpson's appointment. He noted that he also has named a nine-member screening committee consisting of faculty, staff, student and volunteer members of the university community to assist in the search.

Simpson noted that Genco -- one of UB's most distinguished professors, an internationally recognized and prolific researcher and member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences -- "is highly regarded both within his field and the UB community as an accomplished scientist and researcher." Genco, who has served UB in many administrative leadership positions during the past 36 years, also is director of its Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach and the Periodontal Disease Clinical Research Center in the UB School of Dental Medicine.

"Bob has demonstrated himself to be an outstanding administrative officer and an able advocate for UB within the region, and I am confidant that he will provide excellent leadership as interim provost," Simpson noted.

He said the nine-member screening committee will review all qualified nominations and applications "and provide me with recommendations and evaluations of, at minimum, their top three candidates in unranked order. Upon receipt of the committee's report, I will evaluate the candidates and conduct a series of final interviews. This step of the search will include wide participation from the campus community, and will directly precede my final selection of the top candidate and the university's offer of appointment. I expect the successful conclusion of the search and installation of the new provost to take place during the summer of 2004 in time to prepare for the new academic year."

Simpson also thanked Capaldi for agreeing to remain at UB on a part-time basis and assist him until Jan. 31 and congratulated her on her appointment as SUNY vice chancellor and chief of staff.

"One recurring theme in the story of the university's success has undoubtedly been the contribution and leadership of Betty Capaldi as provost. Certainly the significance of her new appointment at SUNY speaks not only to her record of achievement for the UB community, but to the depth of her commitment to excellence in higher education throughout New York State."

Simpson added: "When I officially take office as president on January 1, 2004, I look forward to working with every member of the university community to build upon UB's tradition of strong leadership in higher education and excellence in research, teaching and public service.

"I firmly believe UB to be the premier public research university in the Northeast, and with your continued support for the future and contributions of time, talent and expertise, I have great faith in our promise for new and exciting accomplishments on every front. I look forward with great pleasure to joining you as president in January."

A 1963 graduate of the UB School of Dental Medicine, Genco received a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1967. He also is a 1959 graduate of Canisius College.

Genco has held editorial positions with 11 scientific journals, edited or co-edited nine books and authored or co-authored more than 325 scientific articles and publications. He is a past president of the American Association for Dental Research and the International Association of Dental Research.

He has received many awards, including the American Dental Association's 2003 Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research; the American Academy of Periodontology Gold Medal (1993); American Dental Association Gold Medal for Excellence in Dental Research (1991); Samuel P. Capen Alumni Award, the UB Alumni Association's most prestigious award (1990); William J. Gies Foundation Award from the American Academy of Periodontology (1983), and the George W. Thorn Award from the UB Alumni Association (1977).