Dr. Joan Neff has stepped down as Longwood University provost, a move detailed in a letter that President W. Taylor Reveley IV sent to campus in mid-December.

“The holidays and close of a semester are a time for transitions and reflection,” Reveley wrote. “Named almost three years ago as provost, Dr. Joan Neff informed me over the weekend that she has decided after careful thought to conclude her time in the position this January, as of the start of the spring semester.”

Reveley noted that Associate Provost Dr. Larissa Fergeson agreed to serve as interim provost.

“The development of faculty and students has been the work of Dr. Neff’s career, both here and previously at the University of Richmond, alongside her powerful and acclaimed work as a sociologist and criminal justice scholar,” Reveley wrote. “She is looking forward to being in the classroom again this spring here on campus and, after these years of long hours and dedicated work as provost, will also be assisting me as provost emeritus on a range of projects and initiatives.”

He highlighted her accomplishments during her time as provost.

“She has been instrumental in hiring and supporting new full-time faculty, the continued improvement in faculty compensation, the hosting of the Vice Presidential Debate and the adoption of the new core curriculum, feats few institutions can match in recent years,” he wrote.

Fergeson has served in her role as associate provost since 2015, Reveley stated after noting that she would begin work as interim provost in January as the new semester began.

“She is distinguished for her work as a civil rights historian and also for her leadership across university offices and organizations and in the commonwealth,” Reveley wrote. “She joined the faculty at Longwood in 2000.”

Reveley also addressed longer-term plans for the provost position.

“Dr. Fergeson will serve as interim provost through the 2018-19 academic year, an especially important time with the launch of the new core curriculum,” he wrote. “The Board of Visitors and I will consult over the months ahead as to considerations for filling the position permanently and the process that will best serve the university.”

He closed the letter by expressing gratitude to Neff for her contributions to the university.

“… With pride in Longwood’s accomplishments, I know the university community joins me in our deepest thanks to Dr. Neff for her devoted service,” he wrote. “My debt of gratitude is especially great to a dear friend.”