DU Oral History - William (Bill) Zaranka Interview

Oral History interview with William (Bill) Zaranka. Recorded December 11, 2018. Dr. William (Bill) Zaranka came to University of Denver from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978 as a professor and director of DU's creative writing program. He became dean of the College of Arts Humanities, and Social Sciences in 1984 and was appointed Provost by Chancellor Dan Ritchie in 1989.

In this interview Bill reflects on the serious financial challenges faced by the university in the mid- to late- 1980's and the efforts of then Chancellor Dwight Smith, himself and other faculty leaders to reconfigure the university. He shares his thoughts on the philosophical shift by the university to be more student-centered. Bill discusses being appointed as Provost by Chancellor Daniel Ritchie and the Chancellor's commitment to total quality management. He highlights the development of new academic programs, centers and institutes and other efforts to provide a cradle-to-grave experience at the university. Bill also touches on the positive budgetary impacts of an incentive program called gain share that was adopted during his tenure as provost.