A&S Dean Turpen Named UW’s Interim Provost

The dean of the University of Wyoming's College of Arts and Sciences has been appointed as the interim provost, UW's chief academic officer, effective Nov. 25.

Scott Turpen, who has led College of Arts and Sciences since July 1, 2022, will take the reins from Acting Provost Tami Benham-Deal, who was named acting provost following the resignation of Kevin Carman Oct. 1.

Turpen's interim appointment was approved this week by the UW Board of Trustees.

In addition to leading the university's academic enterprise, Turpen will oversee the vice president for student affairs. During the interim period, the vice president for information technology, who has been under the provost, will report to Vice President for Budget and Finance Alex Kean.

"Dr. Turpen is a strong, steady leader who has the respect and support of his academic college and people across UW," President Ed Seidel says. "Under his leadership as interim provost, I'm confident we'll continue moving forward with our efforts to enhance our service to students and the state of Wyoming."

"I am honored to serve the university as the interim provost and to support UW during this transition period," Turpen says. "I remain excited about the future of the university and look forward to working with the faculty, students, staff, administration and all stakeholders."

Turpen is a longtime Department of Music faculty member who served as a department head and associate dean of the college before taking the reins as dean in 2022. He holds graduate degrees from the University of Georgia.

Seidel plans to launch a national search to identify the next provost and executive vice president later this year.

Information about the appointment of an interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will be forthcoming.