In search of a scholastic leader to serve as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater reviewed 56 applications, including a contender from Eastern’s campus.

Robert Augustine, dean of the graduate school, research, international students and scholars and study abroad, was named one of four finalists for the position in November, but was ultimately not selected by the provost search committee.

Augustine, who has been honored for 30-plus years of continuous service to the campus, was unavailable for comment.

Instead, Beverly Kopper, associate provost for academic affairs at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, will lead the learning community as the chief academic officer in charge of several aspects of the institution.

Along with planning, developing, coordinating and evaluating academic programs, Kopper will be responsible for ensuring and enhancing the quality of undergraduate and graduate education, as indicated in the position description on UW-Whitewater’s Web site.

Though the university had hoped to have the position filled by Jan. 1, the candidates’ existing obligations were considered, pushing Kopper’s official transition to the staff to April 1.

Erica Whelan can be reached at 581-7942 or elwhelan@eiu.edu.