TAHLEQUAH — Dr. Martin Tadlock, assistant vice chancellor and professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, was announced recently to become provost and vice president for academic affairs at Northeastern State University.

The provost, or chief academic officer, serves as second-in-command at the University and assumes the top leadership role in the president’s absence.

Tadlock, who holds a doctorate in administration and leadership from Miami (Ohio) University and a master's degree in English secondary education from Utah State University, joined the UW Oshkosh administration in 2007. He has been dean of the College of Professional Studies, graduate dean and professor of Educational Leadership at California State-Monterey Bay, 2006-07; dean of the College of Professional Studies, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and professor of Professional Education at Bemidji State University, 2001-06, and interim associate dean of the College of Education, Middle Level Education coordinator and program chair, and associate professor in the department of elementary education at Utah State, 1993-2001.

Tadlock said he was excited to join the NSU family, citing the institution’s history, tradition, opportunity and promise.

“While interviewing at all three NSU campuses, I felt the energy and contagious enthusiasm to push forward, to be innovative and to do whatever it takes to provide access to higher education across the lifespan to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances,” he said. “That desire and energy drew me in, as I am a strong advocate for accessible, affordable public higher education that transforms lives and enhances quality of life across the region.”

Tadlock said that on a return visit with his wife LaRae they enjoyed meeting the “friendly, caring people” in the school’s communities of Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow.

“We were also impressed by the presence of what is referred to as 'sense of place,’” he said. “People in northeast Oklahoma care about their communities, they care about NSU’s future, they care about each other and we care about living in such a place.”

He said he experienced a “tipping point” when deciding to accept the position as provost.

“It was the energy of President Don Betz and his commitment to NSU and northeast Oklahoma, coupled with the depth of experience found among the campus leadership,” Tadlock said. “I am honored to join that team. LaRae and I have every intention of making this our home for a very long time.”

Tadlock holds professional memberships with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Professional and Organizational Development Network, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the World Future Society and Educause.

He serves on the Fox Valley Technical College Advisory Board and authored “Middle Level Education in Small Rural Schools,” published in 1995.

Betz said Tadlock brings exceptional experience in several academic areas to NSU.

“His higher education accomplishments in the Utah, Minnesota and Wisconsin systems reveal a pattern of creativity and collaboration that produced significant, tangible results for each institution,” Betz said. “His leadership in e-learning at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is particularly noteworthy.”

Betz also said Tadlock's work with regional institutions fits the mission.

“Tadlock will emerge as an effective leader in our Making Place Matter regional development initiatives,” Betz said. “He understands and embraces the power of collaboration in achieving institutional goals. He will also play a central role in the University Planning Group’s work on reviewing the strategic plan and on academic prioritization.”