Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Provost). - Higher Education Jobs, University Jobs, HigherEd Jobs

Job description

The University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout), Wisconsin’s polytechnic university, invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications from accomplished and visionary leaders for the position of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Provost).

As the University’s senior academic officer, the Provost will collaborate with engaged faculty, staff, students, administrators, and external stakeholders to advance strategic institutional and divisional priorities aligned with the university’s polytechnic identity; work with internal and external stakeholders to create innovative academic initiatives and solutions to address emerging regional and state needs; model forward-thinking and entrepreneurial action that demonstrates the responsiveness and relevance of a polytechnic university; and promote strong communication and collaboration across the division and University. In addition, the Provost will partner with Chancellor Katherine Frank who has high expectations for the University and has aligned the organizational structure in a manner that has allowed the University to become more nimble, forward thinking, and entrepreneurial.

The Provost reports directly to the Chancellor and serves as the University’s senior academic officer. In collaboration with the Academic Deans and other members of the Provost’s leadership team, the Provost will ensure the pursuit of academic excellence through oversight of undergraduate and graduate teaching and learning; academic and co-curricular programming aligned with career placement; research and sponsored programs; faculty development, promotion, and tenure; youth programming and alternative credit and non-credit educational pathways; and innovative and future-focused academic initiatives necessary to help lead Wisconsin’s polytechnic university.

The Provost’s primary responsibility is providing effective leadership for the University’s academic endeavors aligned with UW-Stout’s polytechnic mission, its position for the future and shaping the academic culture. The Provost will partner with the Chancellor and her Cabinet on the advancement of UW-Stout’s 2030 Strategic Plan and the university’s next strategic plan. In alignment with the University Long-Range Plan, which guides the organized growth and development of the university in support of the Comprehensive Academic Plan, the Provost plays a critical role in ensuring academic priorities support campus development and strategic direction. The Provost will also continue to advance the current Comprehensive Academic Plan and prepare for the next iteration of this plan upon its completion in 2028. In addition to working collaboratively with Cabinet, the Provost will work closely with the Faculty Senate, Senate of Academic Staff, University Staff Senate, and Stout Student Association on issues of university governance.

The University is an important partner with the City of Menomonie, WI and the region; and the Provost is a critical member of the campus team committed to accomplishing the institutional, regional and state-wide vision of the campus and the Universities of Wisconsin. To achieve UW Stout’s ambitious vision for the future, the next Provost will be a creative leader able to establish priorities, build consensus, work efficiently, and make decisions that support the mission of UW-Stout. The Provost has oversight of the Division of Academic Affairs with a total budget of nearly $70,000,000 and 500 FTE.

Key Job Responsibilities:

The Division of Academic Affairs includes:

The College of Arts & Human Sciences (CAHS): committed to providing innovative, high-quality instruction that empowers students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens who value scholarship, diversity, and the pursuit of truth. CAHS offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that prepare professionals to become successful and effective leaders in their discipline, improve the human condition, and meet the challenges of a changing world.

The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management (CSTEMM): committed to unlocking potential and inspiring innovation. CSTEMM inspires students to reach their full potential through engaged learning and transformative hands-on experiences. Upon graduation, students are ready to provide innovative solutions to the world’s most complex industry and business problems.

The Graduate School: committed to supporting learners via more than 20 distinctive, highly regarded advanced degree programs and certificates that are results-oriented, and fit the needs of working professionals.

Other units in Academic Affairs include:

In addition to direct supervision of the College Deans and Directors, the Provost oversees a broad team that includes an Associate Provost, Special Assistant, and administrative staff for the oversight of Academic Affairs.

For more information about the Provost’s Office, please use the following link: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/meet-our-leadership/provosts-office.

Opportunities and Challenges

The next Provost will be expected to address the following challenges and opportunities:

Understanding UW-Stout – As Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, UW-Stout has a distinct identity; offers a strategic array of degree and non-degree granting programs; and serves traditional, online, transfer, high school, international, and adult learners. UW-Stout is focused on timely graduation and the successful placement of graduates in careers or post-graduate study following graduation. The new Provost must be able to understand and assess the current program array and identify any gaps and opportunities for improvement and expansion. The new Provost must also be adept at cultivating and stewarding partnerships with external entities and developing productive relationships with the other UW institutions and Universities of Wisconsin colleagues, as well as with colleagues within the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Supporting Existing Strategic Plans and Preparing for Future Plans – The next Provost will play a critical role in supporting the University’s ten-year strategic plan Focus 2030, as well as Academic Affairs’ Comprehensive Academic Plan (2023-2028). The Provost will be instrumental in the planning for and implementation of the next editions of each plan, leading the latter. In doing so, the Provost will have the unique opportunity to harness and leverage the collective passion, drive, and commitment of faculty and staff at UW-Stout as the University remains committed to student-centered, future-focused visioning and action. The Provost will also help ensure alignment of academic priorities with the University Long-Range Plan, which guides the organized growth and development of the university in support of the Comprehensive Academic Plan. They will partner closely with finance and administrative leaders to safeguard long-term stability, make difficult decisions when necessary, and maintain the institution’s position of strength within the Universities of Wisconsin and the broader marketplace.

Enhancing the Student Experience and Student Enrollment – The next Provost will play a lead role in the enhancement of the UW-Stout student experience and highlight the value of its academic and student success programs for prospective and continuing students. The Provost will amplify the University’s commitment to providing a high-value educational experience to its students while enhancing existing programs and offerings. The Provost will work in close collaboration with the Student Life and Services unit to guarantee a seamless integration of academic and student support services. The Provost will also work closely with the Vice Chancellor of Enrollment and Quality and its respective units to continue the upward enrollment trajectory. The Provost will oversee initiatives that enhance retention and ensure advising and student support remain robust and responsive.

Contributing to Institutional Sustainability – UW-Stout is committed to strong fiscal management, as well as to long-term planning to ensure institutional viability. The next Provost will bring strong financial acumen and a business mindset to academic affairs. They must be comfortable managing a complex budget; will work closely with the Vice Chancellor of Business, Finance, and Administrative Services; will ensure accountability across departments throughout Academic Affairs; and will make the difficult, data-informed decisions necessary to operate efficiently and effectively. The Provost will also work closely with the Senior Facilities Officer to manage the needs and plan for complex array of learning environments that comprise a polytechnic university, as well as support the priorities of the university’s Long-Range Plan for campus and technology infrastructure. Finally, the Provost will be comfortable working closely with the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations on fundraising planning and priorities, and will be an essential strategic partner as the University prepares for its next Comprehensive Campaign.

Community Engagement – The Provost role extends beyond the traditional scope, requiring strong visibility and interaction with the campus community, active engagement in the surrounding communities, and the ability to represent the university across the state system and with industry partners. The Provost must be an advocate to external stakeholders, consistently promoting the value of a UW Stout education. UW-Stout has earned the respect of community stakeholders within the region through active partnership and engagement. UW-Stout’s next Provost will inherit an organization that is already active in the community and prepared to build upon existing strengths and identify new areas for expanding university partnerships with business, industry, government, and other external entities. The Provost, in partnership with the Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement, will develop strategies for connecting the intellectual assets of the University with strategic university partners. This collaboration among Academic Affairs, the colleges, university outreach units, and potential employers contributes to the development of new programs/services that address real-world needs, provide internships and career opportunities for UW-Stout’s students, and contribute to the University’s research and academic environment.

Enhancing Communication Across the University – The Provost must be committed to developing effective pathways for communication within all levels of the University to promote transparency, encourage participation of a diverse community, and generate enthusiasm for new initiatives and programs. UW-Stout’s faculty, staff, and students are prepared to join the Provost in efforts to evaluate current academic offerings and opportunities, explore new academic initiatives, expand ties with industry, and pursue academic excellence. To do this effectively, the Provost must lead constructive and inclusive dialogue, navigate competing viewpoints and perspectives, serve as an active listener in this process, and ensure outcomes.

Qualities and Attributes

The Provost must be an experienced and collaborative leader with a proven track record of promoting excellence in academics and developing and implementing university-wide student success initiatives as well as establishing operational best practices. The successful candidate will demonstrate high ethical values, creativity, energy and will be committed to student success and the mission of UW-Stout as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University. The ideal candidate will:

Be a student-centered leader with a passion for and commitment to serving all students, keeping their success at the forefront of all decisions;
Possess the skills and mindset to propose, lead, and champion both necessary and innovative ways to plan and ultimately thrive as a polytechnic university;

Effectively and efficiently administer the units organized in the division of Academic Affairs and work productively with the deans of the colleges and leaders of other academic units to promote a vision of academic excellence;

Possess a strong commitment to academic freedom and shared governance and an understanding of their importance to sustaining the quality of the University;

Collaborate effectively with other members of the executive leadership team with respect to planning and decision-making that crosses divisions;
Have strong organizational skills and the ability to balance day-to-day operational issues and broader institutional goals and objectives, as well as to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines, and ensure timely follow-up;
Demonstrate an enthusiasm for building programs and institutional capacity coupled with a successful history of serving as a catalyst for new and compelling academic, creative, and research initiatives;
Possess a data-driven approach to decision-making that will employ data and performance metrics sourced from key campus stakeholders to strategically guide and support the steps the University must take to achieve its vision and mission and continue achieving student success;
Have a proven track record of serving as a strong steward of fiscal resources and allocating existing resources strategically while also identifying opportunities for developing new revenue streams;
Have the ability to effectively navigate the Universities of Wisconsin administration, form partnerships with other academic leaders and universities within the state, and confidently advocate on behalf of UW-Stout;
Demonstrate the ability to lead difficult conversations with clarity, compassion, and consistency; make difficult decisions in a timely manner; and effectively communicate the rationale supporting the decisions;
Possess strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills; and
Serve as both an advocate for faculty and staff, as well as an inspiring and trusted leader respected for their ability to energize faculty and staff, make difficult decisions, engage in problem-solving, develop and implement innovative ideas and solutions, and produce results.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be an individual of distinguished academic and administrative accomplishment with the highest integrity. They must possess an outstanding record of scholarship and academic leadership, including:

A demonstrated understanding of the UW-Stout’s distinct identity as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, including its unique mission, vision, values, and educational tenets;
An earned terminal degree with credentials that merit appointment as a tenured full professor in a university academic department;
Experience as an innovative, effective, decisive leader and diplomat with strong organizational and consensus-building skills, integrity, and the ability to inspire and lead faculty and staff with varied interests and scholarly approaches;
Experience leading a unit or division with multiple academic programs, a demonstrated interest across disciplines and programs, and a commitment to supporting interdisciplinary collaboration;
A record of success in creating an environment that promotes exceptional teaching, innovative pedagogy, student research, and post-graduate placement;
A record of success in recruiting, developing, and retaining talented faculty and staff, including inspiring and rewarding excellence in teaching, research/scholarship, service, and overall job performance;
Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans, leading change management, initiating reforms, measuring progress, and supporting accountability;
Demonstrated success developing and managing significant and complex budgets and financial projections;
Knowledge of and experience with accreditation processes and agencies;
Demonstrated leadership experience with respect to crisis-management and recovery;
A history of supporting shared governance, team building and collaboration, transparency in decision-making, and respect for the opinions of others;
Experience in developing and advancing initiatives aimed at student and post-graduate success;
In-depth knowledge of issues impacting enrollment management and strategies for addressing them;
Experience with fundraising, development, and efforts to expand and diversify financial resources;
Successful experience in working collaboratively with all members of the academic community, university stakeholders, and other constituents;
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, and an open and collaborative style.
Business/industry experience is preferred.

How to apply

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. To apply for this role please submit materials directly through the Talent Profile. Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience. All nominations and applications will be handled in confidence. Inquiries and nominations can be sent to:

Tom Fitch, Managing Director
Beth McCarthy, Senior Associate [email protected]

Guidelines to ensure consideration:

Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required application materials.

Within your cover letter address each of the Minimum/Required Qualifications specified for this position. For each required qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement.

It is the policy of UW-Stout to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual’s disability.

The Universities of Wisconsin provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees.

Employee Benefits: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/

To calculate the estimated value of your total compensation, use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator | Employee Benefits (wisconsin.edu)

Employment is contingent upon the final candidate’s completing a criminal background check and being cleared to work by the Human Resources Office. Employment is also contingent upon the final candidate passing reference checks and an essential job function test, as applicable. The reference check process includes asking the final candidates’ professional references questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. Reference checks must be conducted at a minimum with three professional references, at least one of which must be a prior supervisor.

Final candidates with previous employment within the Universities of Wisconsin and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks.

In response to a public records request, the Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in their online application, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

UW-Stout is committed to providing safety and security of all members of our community in accordance with the Clery Act. For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/life-stout/police-and-parking/clery-information

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.