UConn Provost Picked to Lead University of Missouri System

STORRS, CT — Mun Choi, who has served as the University of Connecticut's provost and executive vice president for academic affairs for the past four years, is leaving Storrs to become the next President of the University of Missouri system.

UConn President Susan Herbst announced the decision on Tuesday.

"While we are sorry to lose a terrific provost, trusted colleague, and great friend," Herbst said. "I also know how much this advancement means to Mun and his family, and we wish them all the best."

Choi will begin his tenure in Missouri on March 1, Herbst said.

"The job market in higher education is a national one, and Mun is a talented and tenacious leader, so it comes as no surprise that other high quality institutions would seek him out," she said. "Any university would be lucky to have him."

Choi first came to UConn in 2008 as the dean of the school of engineering, and was named provost in 2012.

Herbst said since that time, Choi has been instrumental "on countless issues that are critical to UConn and its future," including a major faculty expansion, the creation of an academic plan, and the implementation of the Next Generation Connecticut and Bioscience Connecticut initiatives.

"He has been invaluable to me and to UConn as a whole. I cannot thank him enough for his service to the university and for his friendship," Herbst said.

Choi will stay on at UConn until February 1, 2017, Herbst said.

Herbst said she will name an interim provost and executive vice president prior to that date.

UConn will begin a national search for the permanent position this summer with the goal of naming a successor before the end of the calendar year, she said. Herbst added she expects to appoint a search committee in May.

Photo Credit: Peter Morenus/UConn