Since joining the University of Idaho in 1998, Provost Torrey Lawrence has worn many hats. From being involved with the school of music to his current role as provost, he has learned a lot in his time UI. However, as the spring semester ends, Lawrence has chosen to step down from the position of provost to rejoin the faculty.
Lawrence officially took the role as provost in 2020, which he said lent itself to rocky start when he was left to navigate the unexpected challenges brought on by COVID-19. Though “there’s no great playbook” for events of that caliber, as Lawrence put it, he noted that the team of leaders he was working alongside provided guidance and help.
In fact, part of what has kept him so engaged and excited about the work he’s done at the university has been driven by the people surrounding him.
“I get to work with great people, and I’m really thankful and appreciate that our leadership team right now is an incredible group of people,” Lawerence said
While there are many aspects about the job that he loves, such as getting to know all sides of the university, helping people and learning new things at all times, his favorite part of the role consistently goes back to the community.
This, in part, is why Lawerence has chosen to return to a faculty position within the school of music. Lawrence said he has a deep appreciation for the role of provost and all of his current coworkers, but he looks forward to the opportunity of working with students one-on-one again.
“In my current role, I interact with students a lot,” Lawrence continued. “That’s different than teaching throughout a semester and seeing them grow and trying to help them be successful in whatever we’re doing.”
When he joined the university nearly 30 years ago, Lawrence began as an instructor of tuba and euphonium at the school of music. There, he was able to follow his passion of teaching and engaging in art every day.
Since then, he’s found himself in several different positions. In 2012, he took on an administrative role as associate director and then Director of the Lionel Hampton School of Music. HJe served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Faculty Affairs in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences from 2017 to 2018. He then transitioned to serve as Vice Provost for Faculty at UI for two years before becoming the provost in 2020.
Lawerence said that while no two days look alike, often the work he does will involve coordination efforts and communicating with all the university colleges, three UI centers around the state and five vice provosts. On top of that, Lawrence is very involved with the Idaho State Board of Education.
The demanding schedule and umbrella of responsibilities paired with his passion for music and teaching is ultimately what led Lawrence to seek out this new faculty opportunity.
His next steps are not finalized – his focus now is dedicated to concluding his position as provost – but Lawrence confirmed that he’ll be assuming a new role in the school of music during the Fall 2026 semester, which he’s looking forward to greatly.
Though he does not play a part in the selection of the new provost, he said the university has chosen its contenders and the final interviews will be held in early May.
“Chances are, they [the candidates] are people I work with very regularly, so that will be interesting to see and watch,” Lawrence continued. “I’m very confident that they’re going to be really strong candidates.”
While the role of provost has taught him a lot over the last six years, Lawrence recognizes that this new role within the university will only provide for more open doors and learning opportunities.
“I’ve been at the institution for 28 years. Almost every day I learn something new about something that the University of Idaho does, and it’s fascinating,” Lawerence said.
Paige Wilton can be reached at [email protected].