Kay Clayton, Texas Woman’s University’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, will step down effective March 1 because of health reasons.

Kay Clayton

Keith McFarland

Clayton announced the decision to her staff and in an e-mail to the entire university Monday.

She said she would begin her medical leave March 1 and would retire in late August.

TWU has selected Keith McFarland, retired president of Texas A&M University-Commerce, to serve as acting provost beginning March 1.

A national search for Clayton’s successor will begin next month, TWU Chancellor Ann Stuart said, and the university anticipates naming a new provost by late August.

Reached by phone Monday, Clayton fondly reflected on her time at the university.

“I have really enjoyed my time here at TWU,” she said. “We have wonderful faculty, staff and students at the university. TWU will always have a special place in my heart.”

While she would not elaborate on her health, she said it’s something she’s dealt with for several months. Clayton said the TWU community has rallied behind her.

“The messages of support have been wonderful,” she said. “I received many messages of support and understanding.”

An alumna who earned her doctorate in education from TWU, Clayton was selected from a pool of 52 applicants to serve as provost and vice president of academic affairs in July 2008. She replaced Carolyn Gunning, who retired.

Prior to joining TWU, Clayton was employed by Texas A&M University-Kingsville. There, she served nine years as provost and vice president for academic affairs, and 12 years as a professor and chairwoman of the human sciences department.

Throughout her career, Clayton also has presented leadership training to new provosts for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

Stuart praised Clayton for her leadership in preparing TWU for a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation review in 2012 and a visit in 2013. Stuart also recognized Clayton for her advocacy to implement new programs at the university and to create partnerships between TWU and other entities.

She said that while she regrets Clayton must leave because of medical concerns, she is thankful for Clayton’s accomplishments and excellent service to TWU.

As the university transitions, Stuart said she welcomes McFarland’s willingness to lead as acting provost. She said he has an esteemed reputation from his time at Texas A&M-Commerce, and she feels he has the knowledge of the university and its quality to lead the faculty.

Several faculty members are familiar with McFarland, Stuart said, and through the year she has built a relationship with him through the Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors, which includes both TWU and A&M-Commerce.

McFarland has served 38 years at A&M-Commerce as a history professor, department head and graduate school dean.

BRITNEY TABOR can be reached at 940-566-6876. Her e-mail address is btabor@dentonrc.com .