Marilyn Williamson, who served as provost and vice president for academic affairs before her retirement in May, 1997, has been invited by Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid to return to serve as interim provost and senior vice-president for a period of two years effective Sept. 1.

"In her capacity as provost, Williamson will chair the Academic Senate and will serve as academic leader of the campus," Reid said. "In my absence she will provide leadership day-to-day on the entire campus and will coordinate the overall operations of the campus with the senior vice president for finance and administration and the chief of staff," he said.

Williamson served as provost in an acting capacity from 1991 to 1992, as well as regular holder of the position from 1992to 1995. She also served as deputy provost from 1987 to 1991 before becoming acting provost.

"Dr. Williamson has a proven track record in strategic planning, curriculum reform, a strong commitment to shared governance and sensitivity to diversity in our student body and faculty," Reid said. "These attributes convinced me that she has the right combination of skills and experience to help me in achieving a vision firmly centered on the tripartite mission of excellence in teaching, distinction in research and strong community service," he said.

"The search for a permanent provost has been very difficult," Reid noted. "This is an extremely critical position to fill and, given its importance, will probably require at least a full academic year to conduct a successful search. I have now come to the conclusion that it would be better if we suspend the search for now and resume it sometime in the future," Reid said.

A graduate of Vassar College, Williamson received an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate from Duke University. She joined the faculty at Oakland University as an assistant professor in 1965 and joined the Wayne State faculty in 1972 as a professor and chair of the English Department. She twice chaired the English Department (1972-74 and 1981-83) and was associate dean of liberal arts (1974-79). She also served as director of women's studies (1976-87).

In 1990, the Board of Governors, on the recommendation of then President Adamany, appointed Williamson Distinguished Professor of English, an honor accorded to only a handful of faculty members.