P also stands for provost

Mason names P. Barry Butler executive vice president and provost

University of Iowa President Sally Mason named P. Barry Butler executive vice president and provost effective in May 2011.

Butler, who served in the role on an interim basis since November 2010, was one of three finalists for the position. He replaces Wallace Loh, who resigned in October 2010 to become president of the University of Maryland.

"I can't think of anyone better suited to this position or more committed to the University of Iowa than Barry Butler," Mason said in making the announcement. "As dean of the College of Engineering, interim provost, and as a world-class engineer and educator, Barry has my every confidence that he will be an excellent leader of our institution's faculty and academic programs."

"I have spent my entire academic career at the University of Iowa and have developed a deep understanding of and great respect for the institution. Under the leadership of President Mason, the University of Iowa has an opportunity to build on existing strengths and to develop strategic areas that have the potential to further distinguish us on a national and international level. I am honored to be a part of her leadership team."

Prior to his appointment as interim provost, Butler was dean of the College of Engineering, where he holds the rank of full professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in aeronautical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1979 and 1981, respectively. He received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 1984, also from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Before entering administration in 1998, Butler served as a member of the Engineering Faculty Council, as well as the UI Faculty Senate and Faculty Council. Past administrative positions held by Butler include department executive officer of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, associate dean for academic programs, interim dean, and dean of the College of Engineering.

While he was dean, the College of Engineering experienced record growth in undergraduate enrollment, external research funding, and private support for faculty development, programmatic initiatives, facility improvements, and student scholarships. As a result of a new curriculum that allows for a broader education, more than half of the college's graduates now supplement their engineering degree with a minor, second major or certificate from a field other than engineering.