Position Description

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (“Provost”) is the Chief Academic Officer of the University and provides primary administrative leadership, direction, and evaluation for faculty affairs.

The Provost oversees centers, offices, and operations as assigned by the President, including:

• Academic Colleges:
  • College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Natural and Applied Sciences
  • Graduate College
  • Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
  • McQueary College of Health and Human Services
  • William H. Darr College of Agriculture
• Faculty Affairs
• Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning
• Honors College
• Institutional Research
• Libraries
• Program Review, Approval, and Accreditations
• Registrar
• Student Success

Education

An earned terminal degree is required.

Required Experience:

• Academic credentials consistent with the rank of professor, as demonstrated by a distinguished record of teaching, scholarly publications, and/or creative accomplishments that exhibit commitment to academic excellence.
• A history of progressively responsible, successful experience as an academic administrator at the Dean level or above involving both graduate and undergraduate programs, including responsibility for budget, personnel recruitment, and evaluation.
• Experience in strategic planning, assessment of program effectiveness, and development of policy to enhance academic units within the University and with national accrediting bodies.
• Successful experience in university advancement and fundraising.
• Experience in developing and/or securing extramural grant and contract funding.

Required Skills:

• An appreciation of shared governance and evidence of strong abilities to work effectively and collaboratively with University administration, faculty, students, staff, and other constituent groups and partners, both within and outside the University.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of emerging technologies and the effective application of instructional technologies to enhance student learning.
• An understanding of contemporary issues in higher education.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development of faculty and academic administrators.
• The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

• Fosters intellectual growth, student learning, and scholarly and creative activities by providing academic strategic planning, administrative leadership, direction, and evaluation for all academic activities and faculty affairs at the University, providing leadership in internationalizing the campus and advancing multidisciplinary scholarship, and providing leadership and guidance on diversity initiatives for faculty, staff, and students.
• Ensures an active and expanding dialogue with external constituencies by encouraging partnerships with external constituents and public organizations, engaging in effective university advancement (including alumni affairs, fundraising, and advocacy on behalf of the institution), and facilitating the Public Affairs mission of the University.
• Implements the strategic academic vision by authorizing faculty appointments, recommending all promotions and tenure decisions to the President, and implementing and evaluating major academic initiatives.  Partners with members of the Administrative Council to develop programs to enhance student support, recruitment, retention, and research initiatives of the University.
• Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Serves as an advocate for the recruitment, retention, and revitalization of university faculty, fostering a supportive environment that empowers faculty and enhances their professional growth.
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required.
• Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing all other duties as needed.