Herbert (left), Gros Louis Nelms Ken Gros Louis had served the university nearly 40 years when he retired as vice president for academic affairs and chancellor of the Bloomington campus in June 2001. He was the IUB campus’ chief executive for 21 of those years, was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, chair of the IUB Department of English and a professor of both English and comparative literature.

Ken Gros Louis will assume the interim IU senior vice presidency for academic affairs and the interim chancellorship of the IU Bloomington campus on Jan. 1. The board also approved expanded responsibilities for IU Vice President Charlie Nelms.

Gros Louis, who retired in June 2001 after serving 21 years as IUB chancellor, will replace Sharon Brehm, who will step down from the position on Dec. 31 and assume the role of senior adviser to the president.

Gros Louis will serve until a search for a successor is completed during the 2004-05 academic year.

“I am delighted that Ken has accepted my invitation to assist IU in this capacity. I consulted with many individuals within the university family about the right person to serve in this interim role. It quickly became apparent that there is no one better suited to assume these responsibilities than Ken,” Herbert said. “Since my arrival at the university, I have emphasized the importance of the university’s academic mission, maintaining quality and securing our leadership position as a research institution. Ken has remained close to these issues and will provide us with strong academic leadership during this interim period.”

“My affection for the university is very great,” Gros Louis said. “I’ve been extremely impressed with President Herbert, and I am looking forward to working with him. When Jerry Bepko was interim president, he appointed me to serve as chair of a small advisory committee on academic matters, so that work has helped to keep me informed on many issues.”

Nelms will assume a broader range of responsibilities as the university’s vice president for institutional development and student affairs. Reporting directly to the president, Nelms’ university-wide portfolio will include serving as chief student affairs officer and chief diversity officer. He also will work to coordinate institutional research and analyses, long-range planning and university effectiveness. He also will serve as a university resource and liaison for issues related to regional accreditation and will direct IU’s pre-school through college outreach and readiness initiatives.

“I have every confidence in Charlie’s ability to work successfully on these varied and complex issues. His reputation, skills and keen insights are well known throughout the university,” Herbert said.

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