Interim President Patricia Prelock has been named the fourth finalist in the University of Arizona’s search for a provost, as first reported by the Arizona Daily Star.
Prelock has served as interim president since Oct. 1, 2024, when former University president Suresh Garimella began his new role as the 23rd president at the University of Arizona. Garimella formally stepped into the role just days ago on March 25.
If she earns the U of A role, Prelock will be the second UVM administration member to join Garimella in Tucson this year. Richard Cate, vice president of finance and administration, also accepted a position under Garimella, though he is finishing out the semester in Burlington
Prelock will be on campus at the University of Arizona on Monday, March 31, for interviews and meetings with students, faculty and staff.
Before she was interim president, Prelock held the positions of provost and senior vice president at UVM beginning in April 2019. Prior to those positions, she was the Dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Services.
According to a Dec. 10 press release from the U of A Office of the President, a 14-member search advisory committee from the university has been working to select candidates for the role currently held by Ron Marx.
The announcement comes as UVM recently concluded its search for a new president with the appointment of Marlene Tromp on March 24.
Adam White, executive director of university communications, said UVM is aware that Prelock is finalist for the position of provost at Arizona. He did not respond to questions regarding who would fill the role or if there would be a search if Prelock earned the role at U of A.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 11:31 a.m. on March 31 to include comment from White. The story was also updated to correctly reflect Prelock’s positions at the University at 1:56 p.m. on April 1.
