In a message to the campus community, Richmond said, “Bob is the right person, with the right perspective and background, at the right time in the history of HSU.”
The President underscored the issue of timing, in view of the current restructuring of HSU’s academic programs and the regular review of the University’s accreditation, which will continue into 2010. He also noted that top candidates for deans’ positions are more likely to accept an appointment if a permanent Provost is in place.
Accepting the appointment, Snyder said, “I appreciate this expression of confidence by the President and look forward to working with faculty, staff and students on the sizable challenges facing Humboldt State and the California State University system. I especially appreciate the opportunity see through the projects that we have been working on these past couple of years.”
As HSU’s chief academic officer, Snyder oversees curriculum, the faculty, the University Library and Information Technology Services. He is responsible for the Academic Affairs budget, prioritizing and strengthening of academic programs and ensuring HSU meets its accreditation goals, which is an ongoing process. He works with the Cabinet for Institutional Change, which was created at the recommendation of accreditation consultants.
An Idaho native, Snyder is a Professor of Philosophy and earned his doctorate at the University of Minnesota. He was twice department chair at HSU and formerly served as an associate dean and as Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. He has been interim Provost for two years.