Dr. Raymond W. Alden III, executive vice president and provost at UNLV, will take the academic reins at Northern Illinois University, officials announced today. As UNLV's top academic officer for the past six years, Alden has played an important role in the development of numerous academic programs, created research opportunities, organized strategic planning efforts and helped guide the master planning of new campuses, all during a period of unprecedented growth for the young university. During his nine-year tenure at UNLV, Alden also served as dean of the College of Sciences before being named provost in 2000. He will assume the position of executive vice president and provost at NIU July 1.

Chartered in 1895, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive research institution enrolling more than 25,000 students. The university includes a 755-acre main campus is in DeKalb, Illinois (65 miles west of Chicago) as well as four regional sites. Its seven degree-granting colleges confer 22 types of degrees across more than 40 academic departments. NIU is classified in the category of Research Universities (high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

"Ray has been a great asset to UNLV during a pivotal period in the university's development," said UNLV President Carol C. Harter. "His leadership has brought about tremendous opportunities for faculty and students at every level, through new and enhanced academic programs, research resources and informed planning for the future. His efforts will bring long-term benefits to our region in terms of workforce, economic and intellectual development. As a burgeoning research university, Northern Illinois is in position to benefit greatly from Ray's leadership. We are very excited for him, as much as we will miss him."

During his tenure as executive vice president and provost, Alden has supported efforts to strategically broaden UNLV's academic and research profile. The university has developed 40 new degree programs (including 12 new doctoral degrees) and 28 research and service centers during his tenure. This period also saw the hiring of more than 350 new faculty members from across the country and around the world. Nearly one quarter of the new faculty hires are members of under-represented groups.

Alden provided guidance and support for several key initiatives focused on the development of research resources, including the formation of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies to provide support to faculty and students, the UNLV Research Foundation to enhance public-private partnerships and economic development opportunities, and the developing Harry Reid Research and Technology Park in southwest Las Vegas.

Alden has also looked to the long-term future of UNLV by identifying and cultivating resources to support the most critical areas for academic and research development, linked to the economy of Southern Nevada and the southwest region. For example, emphases in the biotechnology and health industries led to the development of the university's first regional campus, home to biotechnical research laboratories and the School of Dental Medicine, at Shadow Lane. Alden also oversaw the formation of the Division of Health Sciences to better organize the study of health-related disciplines at the university, and has led program planning efforts for the university's innovative Science, Engineering and Technology building, currently under construction.

"The opportunity at Northern Illinois University is a great match for my background and experience in many ways," said Alden. "NIU is an emerging research institution with great partnerships and potential for advancement. I'm excited about the opportunity to help forge the academic development of this dynamic institution."

"I have been privileged to work with a wonderful group of faculty, staff and administrators during my time at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas," he continued. "This team has accomplished so much in the face of unprecedented growth, creating wonderful opportunities for students at every level, and truly taking UNLV to the next level as a major national university. UNLV is poised for an exciting future, and I will always reflect on my time here with great pride."

Alden came to UNLV in 1997, after serving as director of the Applied Marine Research Laboratory at Old Dominion University for more than 15 years. As a professor of Biological Sciences, he has more than 29 years of professional experience in the areas of aquatic ecology, environmental toxicology and pollution ecology. He will continue at UNLV through June 2006.