Karen Gould is a jazz dancer, a fan of the TV show “House” and the Dave Mathews Band. She is also the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Cal State Long Beach.
“I love my job. I love it because I know that I am trying as hard as I can to think about the students and to serve the faculty, and that really is a wonderful privilege to be able to have this job,” Gould said.
Unfortunately for Gould, most students don’t know what her job entails, or even what a provost is.
“Is that someone who works in a deli or something?” said Sarah Marzouk, a senior journalism major.
A provost serves as acting president when the university president is away. With July being a busy month for CSULB President F. King Alexander, it will be Gould’s job to step up in his place.
This, however, is just one of many responsibilities for Gould. Her primary responsibility is to be senior vice president of all things relating to academic affairs. This includes all colleges, curricular programs, and providing everything that students need in their academic lives.
Currently, Gould is focusing on the need for academic technology. Last week, Gould met with a task force of students, faculty and staff in an effort to address the needs and plans for improving academic technology in classrooms.
“What we’re working towards is an environment where smart classrooms are more and more available across campus in all facilities and where faculty feels comfortable walking into these classrooms,” Gould said.
Gould said she plans to continue lobbying with the CSU system in hopes of gaining some baseline funding for technological needs at CSULB, as well as at other CSU campuses.
During Gould’s first year at Occidental College in Los Angeles, she was a member of the cheerleading team, the dance club, an international club and a sorority.
Gould said she feels strongly about students engaging themselves in their campus community. She plans to create a welcoming feeling for students in their first year at CSULB, whether it is through learning communities, special sessions or service learning courses.
“I feel it’s really important that students feel connected in their academic [life], as well as their social life,” Gould said.
Recently, Gould took part in the graduation ceremonies for the first time here at CSULB. After the ninth ceremony in a three-day period, Gould said she felt elated.
“It was just so invigorating to see all of the students and their parents and their friends, and what an excitement to have accomplished what they’ve accomplished, and to know that we were helping them get there. There is no better job than this.” Gould also plans to strengthen the graduate program, research online education, conduct a national search for the assistant vice president of International Education Global Engagement, and partner with schools to make sure that students are well-prepared to attend CSULB.
On top of all this, Gould will be keeping up with the new season of “House.”
