The University turned a new page and put an end to the Mary Easley saga Dec. 3, when Chancellor Randy Woodson introduced Warwick Arden as the new provost.

According to Woodson, the hiring cemented an already held sentiment at the University.

“My view is the University had already moved past [the Mary Easley scandal],” Woodson said. “This is the last position we’re filling after the scandal. After an outstanding national search, we decided that Arden was the best selection for us.”

Arden had been interim provost since May 14, 2009, when Larry Nielsen stepped down amid the scandal surrounding the hiring of former first lady Mary Easley. Arden served as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine for almost five years, before being named interim provost. Arden’s salary will be $315,000 a year.

In his first interview since his hiring at a special meeting of the Academic Affairs and Personnel Committee, Arden said he’s excited about the opportunities.

“I feel like this is great University that has a great future,” Arden said. “I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Immediately after announcing Arden as the provost, Woodson spoke with the Technician and said Arden’s conduct during his time in the temporary post convinced him of the decision.

“It was a great selection and he is an outstanding academic leader,” Woodson said. “He’s done an outstanding job with managing the University’s difficult budget,” Woodson said.

The provost position has remained in transition since the 2009 scandal associated with Mary Easley’s hire at the University. All other positions vacated following the scandal have already been filled.

Arden said he intends to continue to complete the job of provost as he always has.

“I have been approaching the job as though I wasn’t interim,” Arden said. “You can’t approach it as an interim and get anything done. That being said, I’ll continue to do the job with no major changes.”

Arden was a part of the initial strategic planning layout since Woodson arrived at the University in April of this year.

“Now that I know I’m the permanent choice, I have more stability and can do more long range planning,” Arden said.

Student Body President Kelly Hook said the University is fortunate to have Arden as the provost.

“Since he was involved in the strategic planning, he can continue that with no transition period,” Hook said.

Arden said he is grateful for the welcoming atmosphere the student body and campus has provided since he began serving as interim provost.

“I appreciate Chancellor Woodson’s confidence in what I’m doing,” Arden said. “I believe the chancellor has put together a very good team, and he has a clear vision of what he wants accomplished.”

Hook served on the provost search committee that recommended the three finalists to the chancellor.

“I preferred two of the candidates over the third,” Hook said, “But I’m pleased with the decision to hire Warwick Arden. He’s awesome.”

With the move the Division of Student Affairs under the provost, there is still a learning curve for what that means for University administration, Hook said.

“There needs to be more of a presence of the provost among students,” Hook said.

The meeting to announce Arden as provost was held as soon as possible, according to Woodson.