Staff Councilmembers said at their meeting Friday they hope GW’s next provost will remain in the position for several years, which could help support staff and dismantle divisions that have led staff to feel subordinate to faculty. They said they hope GW’s next provost will support staff roles that have experienced increased workloads, burnout and decreased morale during former Provost Chris Bracey’s tenure. Former Provost Forrest Maltzman served as provost for about three years before stepping down in 2019 to return to being a professor. She said staff have expertise, including holding master’s and doctoral degrees, like faculty do, and the provost could help change how faculty and staff communicate and work together. Simon said he expects the provost search — which began early August — to take six to eight months.