Edwards has served as interim provost since Dick Richardson's retirement from the post July 1. He will resign his provost position Thursday when Richardson's permanent replacement, Robert Shelton, takes over.
Edwards also recently announced his permanent retirement from his position as dean of the School of Social Work.
Edwards accepted the duties of interim provost at the request of former interim Chancellor Bill McCoy, and University officials say he has proven himself to be an important member of the UNC administration.
Edwards began his career at UNC in 1992 as dean of the School of Social Work. During his 8 1/2 years at this post, Edwards gained a familiarity with UNC and created a reputation as a man with goals for the school and administrative insight.
Kim Strom-Gottfried, who has served as interim dean of the School of Social Work since Edwards assumed the interim provost post, said Edwards' work at the school reflected these qualities. "He has incredible vision and energy and the ability to put the right people in the right places at the right time to get things done," she said.
Edwards said that adjusting to the job of interim provost was made more difficult by several other administrative changes that have occurred during the last few months. Nonetheless, Edwards has managed to contribute several additions to the University's academics.
Edward's view toward his post was a primary source of his advancements. "I approached the position with the idea that I would act as a provost rather than as a caretaking person," he said.
Although Edwards will be permanently stepping down from both his interim provost position and his post at the School of Social Work, UNC students and faculty shouldn't expect to see him walk away from the Old Well just yet.
Shelton has requested that Edwards remain a part of the administration as a special assistant to the executive vice chancellor and provost until the end of June to aid in transition. After that time, it remains unclear what role Edwards will play in the University, but he said he plans to return as a member of the faculty or in some other role.
