University of South Florida

College of Arts & Sciences

The HUB

CAS Interim Dean Magali Michael moderated the discussion with Provost Mohapatra. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

CAS Interim Dean Magali Michael moderated the discussion with Provost Mohapatra. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

CAS faculty meet Provost Prasant Mohapatra to kick off new academic year

USF College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) faculty met with Dr. Prasant Mohapatra, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs for USF, during the CAS Faculty Town Hall and Welcome Back Reception held August 18.

Dr. Prasant Mohapatra, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, answers questions from CAS faculty. (Photo by Corey Lepak)Dr. Prasant Mohapatra, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, answers questions from CAS faculty. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

Following the meeting with Provost Mohapatra, CAS faculty kicked off the new academic year with a Welcome Back Reception. (Photo by Corey Lepak)Following the meeting with Provost Mohapatra, CAS faculty kicked off the new academic year with a Welcome Back Reception. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

Mohapatra, who was appointed in January, engaged in an interactive question-and-answer discussion where he answered pressing questions from CAS faculty. 

“I enjoyed engaging with faculty colleagues and exploring the opportunities that lie ahead for the College of Arts and Sciences as we enter this new era as an AAU institution. It was invigorating to discuss how we can maximize the growth of our research and academic enterprise to support the success of our students, faculty, and staff,” Mohapatra said.  

The discussion concluded with a reception, held in C.W. Bill Young Hall, with a special visit from Rocky D. Bull.

Dr. Sarath Witanachchi, professor and chair of the Department of Physics, and Dr. Toru Shimizu, professor and associate dean for faculty affairs, captured a moment with Rocky. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

Dr. Sarath Witanachchi, professor and chair of the Department of Physics, and Dr. Toru Shimizu, professor and associate dean for faculty affairs, captured a moment with Rocky. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

LaRue Nickelson (right) and Aaron West (left), adjunct faculty in the USF College of the Arts, played live Jazz during the event. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

LaRue Nickelson (right) and Aaron West (left), adjunct faculty in the USF College of the Arts, played live Jazz during the event. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

Dr. Mildred Perreault, assistant professor of public relations and mass communication in the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications, enjoyed her first ever photo with Rocky at the gathering. She joined CAS as a new faculty member this academic year. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

Dr. Mildred Perreault, assistant professor of public relations and mass communication in the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications, enjoyed her first ever photo with Rocky at the gathering. She joined CAS as a new faculty member this academic year. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

View a special welcome back message featuring CAS faculty, Dean Michael and Provost Mohapatra recorded during the event for students. 

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About CAS

The College of Arts and Sciences is the intellectual heart of the University of South Florida. We are a community of teachers and scholars united in the belief that broadly educated people are the basis of a just, free, and prosperous society. By focusing on the big questions facing all of humanity, we prepare students for successful, socially responsible personal and professional lives. By conducting innovative, interdisciplinary research and scholarship, we advance knowledge in ways that prepare us to address complex social and scientific problems and enhance the quality of life for people and communities.