Jerald Ogg, formerly Dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, was appointed to the temporary position of Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs this summer after an inconclusive search for someone to fill the position permanently.

“I’m certainly not looking to move [permanently] from my dean’s position. The dean is the best job on campus,” Ogg said.

He was appointed to the position after the search in the spring ended without a permanent appointment.

“But I understand the Chancellor’s dilemma and I agreed. Too much Air Force in me, I guess I had to do it,” Ogg added.

Before he joined the UTM faculty, Ogg served as a judge advocate (“JAG”) in the U.S. Air Force for four years. During that time, he practiced law, specializing in media law and public relations for non-profit organizations, in Baton Rouge, La. He holds a Ph.D. in journalism from Southern Illinois University and a law degree (J.D.) from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Since joining the UTM faculty in 1987, Ogg has taught communications law, ethics, public speaking, advertising and public relations, which he still teaches. During his time at UTM, Ogg has served in many various positions: Chair of the Department of Communications, Academic Coordinator for the Freshman Experience, and the UTM Faculty Senate president. He has also been key to the Governor’s School for the Humanities.

Ogg said that leaving his position as dean was hard, but stressed that he had confidence in David Coffee and Lynn Alexander, the Interim Deans of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts.

“One thing that made it easier [taking the VCSA position] was knowing that the college was in good hands,” Ogg said. “They miss me a lot less than I miss them.”

As for his plans for the position, Ogg said that while his year as Interim VCSA was not really long enough to accomplish much, he plans to “do a good enough so I could come back.”

An issue that he said has been on the “back-burner” for a while, building new housing for the sororities, is one he is hoping to tackle during his time in the position. He also said that after going through the First Year Initiative (formerly, The Freshman Experience), there are some things he wants to tweak, such as expanding the freshman book loan program.

“The answer is not what the student wants. Every student wants an A in every class and that’s not going to happen. But if the student can feel good about how they were treated, that’s a success,” Ogg said.

When the search for someone to fill the VCSA position permanently resumes in the spring, Ogg could apply, but says he has no desire to do so.

“The chancellor made it clear that I was welcome to apply for the position,” Ogg said, adding that there was no pressure for him to apply.

“It’s a good experience and I’ve already learned a lot,” Ogg said. “I will retire from this university as a communications professor, regardless of what happens in between.”