LAKELAND (Jan. 28, 2009) At a reception in the Eleanor Searle Drawing Room, faculty, staff, and students joined President Kerr in warmly welcoming Dr. Russell G. Warren as provost of Florida Southern College.

As provost, Dr. Warren will oversee the academic operations of the College and work with faculty to develop and strengthen academic initiatives. In addition, he will facilitate a strategic reorganization of the academic division to better align academic programming with the Colleges mission to prepare students to make a positive, consequential impact on society.

Noting that his appointment resulted from a highly competitive national search that drew an outstanding pool of candidates, Dr. Kerr said, "Dr. Warren brings to the position a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a lifelong commitment to engaged learning."

During his illustrious career, Dr. Warren served as executive vice president and provost at Mercer University; as president and professor of economics at Truman State University; and most recently, as professor of economics at Southern Wesleyan University. He was a visiting scholar at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C., and authored "Carpe Diem," a book for entering college students designed to help them become active learners.

Dr. Warren said he was excited to be leading the Colleges academic division through this pivotal time in FSCs history. "Its the people I have come in contact with at Florida Southern who have convinced me of the wisdom of my decision to return to the life of a college administrator. Everyone Ive encountered here has a can-do attitude, and that is very encouraging as we move forward with the work ahead."

Assisted by Dr. Daniel Silber, assistant provost and associate professor of philosophy, Dr. Warren looks forward to advancing further FSCs reputation as a national leader in engaged learning.