Dr. Ahmad Tootoonchi to Serve as Interim Provost; Dr. Sydney Duncan Named Associate Provost

Frostburg State University Interim President Thomas Bowling has announced that Dr. Ahmad Tootoonchi, former dean of the College of Business, will serve as Academic Affairs vice president until a permanent VP is hired. A faculty member of Frostburg for over 25 years, Dr. Tootoonchi has been Dean of College of Business for the last five years. In his time at FSU, Dr. Tootoonchi has won multiple awards including Outstanding Faculty Award in 1997 and the Faculty Achievement Award in 1998 and 2003.

Dr. Sudhir Singh, associate dean for the College of Business, will be acting dean during Dr. Tootoonchi’s time as interim provost.

Also in the press release sent to all students Thursday morning was the announcement of Dr. Sydney Duncan’s promotion to associate provost. Dr. Duncan has worked for FSU for nearly a decade and most recently held the position of English department chair. “Dr. Duncan has become a valued mentor to both students and her faculty colleagues,” Dr. Tom Bowling, Interim President, stated. “The deep understanding of FSU that she has acquired as co-chair of our Middle States Self-Study and her expertise in assessment will serve her well as associate provost.” Dr. Duncan has received the President’s Distinguished Faculty Award in her time at Frostburg and has also served on the Faculty Senate.

Dr. Amy Branam-Armiento will take Dr. Duncan’s place as English Department chair.

These are some of many changes brought about by Dr. Gibralter’s move to Well’s College. The search continues for permanent school executives.