The announcement was made after a closed session meeting of the Board.

Her new contract runs through June 30, 2005.

The Board of Regents approved the appointment of Stephens as provost at Southeast on May 12, 2000, with the rank of professor and with tenure in the Department of History, for a three-year contract.

In recommending Dr. Stephens' reappointment, President Kenneth W. Dobbins said, "Dr. Stephens has performed her duties in an exemplary manner over the past two years. She has the respect of her colleagues on the faculty and in the administration, and is providing strong leadership for our Academic Affairs Division. All of us are very pleased that she is willing to continue serving the University as its chief academic officer."

Due to budget restraints and the fact that no raises will be approved for fiscal 2003, Stephens' salary will remain at the current level and will be evaluated annually.