Job description

The Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (VPAA) is a key member of the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, supporting the academic mission of Texas A&M University through leadership, strategic planning, and oversight of initiatives that strengthen teaching, learning, institutional effectiveness, and student success across all colleges and schools.Working collaboratively with academic deans, department heads, faculty, and university leadership, the VPAA advances academic excellence, promotes innovation in curriculum and pedagogy, and ensures alignment with institutional goals and policies. The Office facilitates efforts related to academic policy, program assessment, accreditation, and student learning outcomes while fostering a culture of curricular innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability.In support of the mission, values, and policies of Texas A&M University, the VPAA promotes collaboration and coordinated efforts across the academic enterprise in areas such as strategic planning, curriculum innovation, assessment, academic operations, institutional effectiveness, and graduate and professional education. The Vice Provost for Academic Affairs reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President and serves as a senior academic leader responsible for ensuring the quality, effectiveness, and advancement of academic programs and initiatives at Texas A&M University.

For more information, please visit the Division of Academic Affairs website.

The Opportunity

Texas A&M University invites applications for the position of Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, a senior leadership role within the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President. This is a unique opportunity to shape the academic mission of one of the nation’s leading research-intensive universities by providing strategic leadership across all colleges, schools, and graduate and professional programs.

The Vice Provost for Academic Affairs will advance academic excellence, foster innovation in curriculum and pedagogy, and oversee initiatives in student success, program assessment, accreditation, and institutional effectiveness. Working collaboratively with faculty, deans, and university leadership, this role will have a direct impact on the quality, effectiveness, and advancement of academic programs, while representing Texas A&M to internal and external stakeholders. Candidates with a terminal degree, significant leadership experience in higher education, and a commitment to fostering academic innovation, student-centered learning, and institutional excellence are encouraged to apply for this transformative leadership opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

-Effective Leadership

The position provides strategic leadership and coordination for academic initiatives across all colleges, schools, and graduate and professional programs in support of Texas A&M’s academic mission. It develops and leads the academic affairs portfolio with a clear vision and commitment to evidence-based decision-making. The role recognizes and cultivates academic leaders through mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. It also promotes collaboration, communication, and alignment between the Office of the Provost, colleges, the Graduate and Professional School, and other divisions to advance institutional goals. The position leads academic operations based on best practices in higher education and Texas A&M’s unique mission as a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution. Additionally, it champions academic innovation, assessment-driven improvement, and student-centered approaches to teaching and learning. The role provides oversight for the Office of Strategic Educational Partnerships and the Aggie Honor System Office to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and uphold integrity in academic affairs. It also coordinates with Athletics on academic oversight, student-athlete academic success, and compliance with institutional and NCAA standards.

-Academic Program Leadership

This role oversees the review, development, and continuous improvement of academic programs to ensure alignment with institutional goals, accreditation standards, and state and system regulations. It leads processes related to new program proposals, academic restructuring, and interdisciplinary collaboration across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The position promotes innovation in curriculum design, instructional methods, and the use of technology to enhance learning outcomes. It works collaboratively with the Office of Faculty Affairs and the Office of Research to align academic priorities with faculty development and scholarly excellence. The role also engages with faculty members and representative bodies to maintain rigorous academic standards and uphold academic integrity.

-Student Success and Learning Excellence

The position provides oversight to academic support units dedicated to student success, including the Office of Student Success, Academic Success Center, Math Learning Center, and University Writing Center. It partners with deans and academic units to advance undergraduate, graduate, and professional student success initiatives. The role promotes high-impact educational practices, experiential learning, and curricular innovations that strengthen student engagement and achievement. It ensures that academic policies and support services contribute to retention, persistence, and timely graduation. Collaboration with the Graduate and Professional School, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and other campus partners ensures alignment of academic and co-curricular experiences. The position also oversees initiatives aimed at strengthening teaching effectiveness, such as those facilitated by the Center for Teaching Excellence, and coordinates with instructional technology services to enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, it maintains coordination with the University Director of Advising, who reports through the Office of Student Success, to ensure consistent advising practices and integration with university-wide student success strategies.

-Policy, Assessment, and Accreditation

This role oversees the development, implementation, and review of academic policies while providing leadership for institutional effectiveness, including the assessment of academic programs and student learning outcomes. It ensures compliance with university, Texas A&M System, state, and federal regulations governing academic programs and operations. The position provides oversight and coordination for both institutional and specialized accreditation efforts, utilizing assessment data to drive continuous improvement and support evidence-based planning and accountability across the university.

-Internal and External Relations

The position represents Academic Affairs and the Office of the Provost to internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, students, Texas A&M System offices, accrediting agencies, and professional organizations. It collaborates across divisions, including the Office of Faculty Affairs, Division of Student Affairs, Division of Finance, Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness, and the Division of Research to advance the university’s academic mission. The role engages with alumni, donors, and external partners to support academic initiatives and fundraising priorities. Additionally, it communicates the university’s academic achievements and priorities through outreach, reports, and representation at key events.

Qualifications and Characteristics

-Required Education and Experience

The successful candidate will hold a terminal degree from an accredited institution with academic credentials appropriate for appointment as a full professor. They must also have significant, progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education administration, preferably in academic affairs, institutional effectiveness, or related areas, generally totaling ten or more years.

-Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated record of academic leadership, collaboration, and organizational management in a complex university environment.
• Evidence of successful strategic planning, faculty collaboration, and program assessment.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development, accreditation, and academic policy.
• Proven fiscal management experience, including budget planning and resource allocation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build consensus across numerous stakeholders.

-Preferred Education and Experience

• Prior experience as a dean, associate provost, or senior academic administrator in a large, research-intensive university.
• Demonstrated success in supporting faculty development and fostering academic innovation.
• Experience leading institutional effectiveness, accreditation processes, or online and interdisciplinary program development.
• Experience navigating state and system-level governance structures.
• Commitment to the Aggie Core Values and to advance academic excellence across the university.
• Evidence of fundraising and external partnership engagement.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your cover letter and C.V. to Larry Elliott at [email protected]. To submit a nomination, please email Larry Elliott at [email protected].

For additional inquiries, please email [email protected].