With Provost Robert Frank’s time at Kent State rapidly approaching an end, the university is preparing to say farewell to one of its top officials.

According to a press release, the university is hosting a farewell reception for Frank from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Music and Speech Center lobby, with remarks at 4 p.m.

Frank is leaving Kent State to be the president at the University of New Mexico, his alma mater. He will be replaced by Todd Diacon, the former deputy chancellor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

As provost since July 2007, Frank has overseen Kent State’s academic affairs. Some of the more prominent accomplishments during his time include the establishment of a College of Public Health, increased international student presence on campus and ongoing efforts to increase retention.

Frank is leaving the university for New Mexico April 2, which is also the day Diacon will start as Kent State’s new provost.

Contact Carrie Blazina at [email protected].