WIU announces new provost
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<p align="justify">Western Illinois University announced Wednesday that "Jack" Jackie Thomas of Middle Tennessee State University has been chosen the school's provost and academic vice president.
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<p align="justify">Thomas, 46, is the senior vice provost for academic affairs and a professor of English at MTSU in Murfreesboro, where he has been for about four years. He will begin his work in Macomb on Jan. 1 at an annual salary of $185,000.
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<p align="justify">Thomas said Wednesday he was attracted to WIU because there is "great leadership there."
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<p align="justify">"President (Al) Goldfarb has a great vision, and his enthusiasm is catching," Thomas said.
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<p align="justify">He said he was also impressed with the school's values and its formulation of a strategic plan.
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<p align="justify">The interview process for provost brought Thomas to Macomb for three days.
<p align="justify">Thomas said he was back in town with his family recently to get a better look at the city. He said the decision to move to Macomb was made with his wife and two children.
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<p align="justify">Goldfarb said Thomas was highly recommended by the WIU search committee formed to fill the position. He replaces Joe Rallo, who moved to Texas in May to become the president of Angelo State University in Texas.
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<p align="justify">Before moving to Tennessee, Thomas worked at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in a variety of positions. He also previously taught English and coached at South Carolina State University and Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina.
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<p align="center">Reach Journal Star reporter Jodi Pospeschil at (309) 686-3041 or state@pjstar.com.
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