A former interim provost at Purdue will be the university’s acting provost the next six months.
Vic Lechtenberg’s appointment is contingent on the board of trustee’s approval. However, Provost Tim Sands, who will serve as acting president until January, says Lechtenberg is the perfect choice.
"He's been in a lot of roles at Purdue. He knows Purdue. He knows the state extremely well. He's familiar with all of our colleges. He understands the land grant and research missions. Everybody knows him. So, I'm very fortunate he was willing to do that."
Lechtenberg came to Purdue in 1971 as an agronomy professor. Other positions he has held are vice provost for engagement and College of Agriculture dean.
Sands says he doesn't think Lechtenberg expected to be asked to serve as acting provost, but he's glad the offer was accepted.
"It'll be easy for me, because he was one of our vice provosts for quite a few years. I'm familiar with working with him and he with me. So, it will make a very smooth transition."
Governor Mitch Daniels becomes Purdue’s 12th president in January when he completes his term in office.