George Washington University Office of the Provost

The Office of the Provost at The George Washington University was created in 1969 as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The position was the chief administrative officer under the President, working with, admissions, academics, and affirmative action programs on campus. Oswald C. Colclough, who was twice acting President of GW, served as Provost from 1961-64. Harold F. Bright served in the post from 1969-74, and was succeeded by William D. Johnson, who served from 1984-89, when the position was abolished to streamline administration. In 2003 the position was reinstituted, with the charge to oversee the offices of communication and governmental, international, and corporate affairs, as well as handling daily administrative duties during the President's absence. Dr. John L. "Skip" Williams, Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences was the first person to hold the newly revitalized post. The Provost reports to the President. The Office of Associate Provost was created in 1984, with Marianne R. Phelps as head. This position was responsible for the coordination of all equal employment and affirmative action programs at the university. In 1985 the office published the report of the Commission for the Year 2000, which examined the academic future of the University.