By Dale M. Kuska

Space Systems Academic Group (SSAG) Professor James H. Newman, pictured during this week's Faculty Council meeting, officially assumed the position of Acting Provost, Oct. 5. As he steps into his new role on campus, he noted his first order of business is to continue the efforts of former university Provost Dr. Douglas A. Hensler, who retired from the institution in early October to spend more time with his family.

"My first responsibility is to continue Provost Hensler's work as Provost and Academic Dean, in particular, to maintain the academic standards and accreditation at NPS," Newman said. "There is much the Provost is expected to do, but at the core of this responsibility is supporting the education of our Navy and Marine Corps officers, and their joint service and international colleagues, especially in our current times of fairly stringent fiscal and budgetary constraints."

Newman has been an enthusiastic teacher and researcher on campus in his role as Professor and Associate Chair of the SSAG especially in the fields of small satellites and orbital mechanics. While his new responsibilities of Acting Provost will dominate his time, he does still intend to continue some teaching and research in space systems.

"While Acting Provost, I intend to keep up with the Space Systems program here at NPS," Newman said. "My teaching and applied research in the fields of very small satellites is important to me and valuable for the Navy, and I will continue to work with thesis students and the research in the lab whenever possible."

For more information, check out the full story on the NPS.edu.