UI law professor named Florida A&M provost

Florida A&M University has hired a University of Iowa human rights and international law professor as its next provost following a years-long nationwide search.

Marcella David, who first joined the UI law school faculty in 1995, will replace Rodner Wright, who has served as interim provost for the Tallahassee-based institution for the last two years.

In addition to her present role as UI professor, David is associate dean for the UI College of Law. She spent five years - from 2004 to 2009 - in central administration for the university, most recently as the UI's first special assistant to the president for equal opportunity and diversity and associate provost for diversity.

UI President Sally Mason said in a statement that she is 'sad to lose a good friend and great colleague.” But, she added, 'I am thrilled and proud that she will take on this significant new role.”

'She is an outstanding scholar, an exceedingly fine person, and someone who will be absolutely committed to student and faculty success,” Mason said.

In her new role, according to Florida A&M, David will lead the university's academic operations, which includes seven schools, seven colleges, and numerous institutes, academic programs, and 700 faculty members.

Florida A&M President Elmira Mangum said the nationwide search produced a number of qualified candidates, and David was chosen, in part, for her 'extensive leadership experience for nearly two decades.”

'Her exemplary academic career and strategic acumen are well aligned with FAMU's academic missions and our focus to advance our intellectual environment, build dynamic relationships with key constituencies in the region, increase funding of sponsored programs and activities, and enhance relationships with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community,” Mangum said in a statement.

David said she's looking forward to her new role and plans to help make Florida A&M a 'brand that matters” while also 'continuing my lifelong commitment to fighting for justice and human equality.”

She's expected to start her new job in February.