Age: 46.

Marital status: Married.

Born: Nashville, Tenn.

Resides: Ann Arbor, Mich.

Administrative experience: Special assistant to the provost, University of Connecticut; Chairperson, Rutgers University Department of Journalism and Mass Media; Assistant director, Michigan State University Honors College.

Q: Why do you want to come to Kent State?

A: To assume the role of chief academic officer and to enhance the academic strength and stature of Kent State statewide and nationally. My experience has thoroughly familiarized me with the past and current agendas of Ohio's higher education system.

Q: What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Kent State?

A: A strong, Midwestern academic institution that is one of two public universities in Ohio to have achieved Carnegie Research II status. An institution with a strong and balanced commitment to quality instruction and research, with a student centered focus.

Q: What are your perceptions of the responsibilities of a provost?

A: I view the provost's role as one that is actively engaged with students, faculty and staff members in setting an agenda for academic excellence and collaboratively executing this plan.

Q: What are your three major accomplishments in life?

A: 1) Becoming a recognized and published scholar in the field of communication and research (Atwater's research has been published in over 30 journals and scholarly book chapters. His research interests involve the news decision-making behavior of television journalists, and he has made contributions in the research of network television news coverage of international terrorism).

2) Having been honored by the National Research Council as a Ford Foundation Post-doctoral Fellow.

3) Having successfully served as national president of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Q: On May 4, 1997, a group of Kent State students walked into President Carol Cartwright's office protesting the fact that there are now parking spaces where on of the students died on May 4, 1970. How would you react to a similar situation if it occurred in your office?

A: I would listen carefully to students' concerns and be sensitive to their interests (both material and symbolic). After conducting some research, I would want to follow up with students to communicate options being considered or reasons why an unpopular administrative decision was made. An important goal for me is to maintain a continuing and effective rapport with student groups and student governing bodies. Administrators cannot always make decisions that please students, however. When this is the case, quality communication and accessibility to the provost become especially important.

Q: How much of a factor should diversity be in setting priorities and carrying out the university's mission?

A: I believe deeply that students benefit by being exposed to a diverse academic environment. In an increasingly diverse world economy, it is vital that students be prepared to deal effectively with cultures and perspectives different from their own. The curriculum of the university needs to reflect this important goal.