Speed School dean named interim Provost

Speed School dean Neville Pinto has been named interim vice president and university provost, according to an email from U of L President James Ramsey.  Pinto will replace Shirley Willihnganz, who is set to step down at the end of the academic year.

Pinto has been at U of L since 2011. He previously led the graduate school at the University of Cincinnati.

“Dean Pinto brings vision and energy to this position,” said the email. “Since coming to U of L as dean in 2011, he has built a significant list of accomplishments including spearheading development of the Belknap Engineering and Applied Sciences Research Park and significantly strengthening the university’s relationship with GE.”

This partnership includes the implementation of the GE FirstBuild micro factory in the past year.

According to the email, Pinto has the strong support of Willihnganz.

It is unknown at this time if the university will conduct a search for a permanent replacement, or if Pinto will stay on.

This is a developing story.