New UW-Madison provost named

Patrick V. Farrell, former associate dean of the UW-Madison School of Engineering, was named provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs by UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley Wednesday. In addition to having a sharp, analytical thinking and consultative decision-making style,\ he has proven to be a ""capable leader and sound decision-maker,"" according to a press statement issued by Wiley. Farrell is ""excited about the challenge"" and in his first months will ""begin building a more cohesive vision for the campus,"" he said in the statement. Farrell succeeds Peter Spear, who retired in October after holding the position for five years. He will begin his job April 3 and earn a salary of $238,468.\