The University of Montana-Missoula (UM) invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (EVP) from interested individuals with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The search committee seeks applications from accomplished academic leaders with a compelling vision for UM's future and a strong desire to partner with and support our dynamic new President, Seth Bodnar. President Bodnar has designated this hire as his top priority to begin assembling a new leadership team for UM.
Environment
UM offers one of the richest learning environments in the country. Our liberal arts and sciences tradition and interdisciplinary focus are the foundation of undergraduate, professional, and graduate programs that foster critical thinking and integrative problem solving. A research intensive, associate through doctoral degree-granting institution, UM is an essential part of Missoula: a culturally vibrant college town characterized by scenic beauty, a socially engaged community, and a healthy economy.
Located in the heart of the northern Rocky Mountains, Missoula offers a stunning natural landscape where five valleys and three major rivers converge. UM's location provides a strong foundation for world-class programs focused on the environment. UM also excels in fields such as human health and biomedical sciences, business, law, education, and journalism. As a major center for the arts and culture in Montana, UM educates artists, performers, and writers. The Payne Family Native American Center highlights the University's commitment to the Native American communities of Montana, the largest minority group in Montana and on campus, and houses our outstanding Native American Studies program. The University is further committed to meeting societal needs through strong programs in the humanities, sciences, and professions. The Davidson Honors College serves as the symbol of UM's commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. UM's fully integrated two-year unit, Missoula College, offers workforce development as well as baccalaureate pathway programs. The University of Montana is an NCAA Division I institution and competes in 15 intercollegiate varsity sports. Today, UM enrolls approximately 12,000 students and employs approximately 820 faculty and 1,560 staff members.
Position Description
The EVP reports directly to the President and serves as UM's Chief Executive Officer in the absence of the President. The EVP provides intellectual leadership to the campus and works closely with the President in providing strategic long-term direction for the University. As Chief Academic Officer, the EVP leads the implementation of the University's strategic vision, planning, and assessment processes. The EVP, in consultation with the President, has final campus authority over new academic programs, centers, and institutes before they are submitted to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education for review and approval by the Board of Regents. The EVP works with the Associate Provost, Deans, and Academic Directors to promote academic excellence and integrity, and to enhance the stature of UM nationally and globally. The EVP also leads collaboration within the state-wide affiliation, comprised of the University of Montana-Missoula, Helena College UM, The University of Montana Western in Dillon, and Montana Tech of the University of Montana in Butte. The EVP works closely with the Vice President for Administration and Finance on budget planning, fiscal accountability, and policy development; with the Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship to advance the University's research agenda, including oversight of graduate academic programs; with the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs on enrollment and retention; with the Office for Integrated Communications on marketing and communications; and with the President and CEO of the UM Foundation to foster a culture of philanthropy at the University. The EVP serves as the key liaison between UM and the Deputy Commissioner for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs at OCHE for all matters related to MUS system initiatives, academic policy adherence, program planning, and approval. The EVP additionally works respectfully and in collaboration with members of UM's shared governance and unions to strengthen academic operations on campus for UM students, staff, and faculty.
Duties/Responsibilities
The EVP's responsibilities include:
- Leadership of the development and implementation of UM's strategic vision, planning and assessment efforts
- Approval of all academic appointments, promotions and tenure, and leaves
- Leadership of academic coordination with all four institutions within the state-wide University of Montana affiliation
- Oversight of the Associate Provost; the Academic Deans of the Colleges and Schools; the Dean of the Mansfield Library; the Directors of a number of academic centers, institutes and offices; the Registrar; and the employees in Academic Affairs
- Extensive interaction on behalf of the University of Montana-Missoula with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education
- Administrative oversight, as delegated by the President, of cultural diversity initiatives, assessment, institutional accreditation, shared governance relations, faculty union relations, and other key activities, such as international education
- Representing UM within regional and national academic organizations
- Dynamic and respectful communication and collaboration with campus constituencies and the broader Montana community, including alumni, business leaders, and legislators
Required Experience and Minimum Qualifications
- An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree from a regionally accredited university
- Passion for and commitment to the ideals of higher education (including, faculty development, student success, and international education), an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to interdisciplinary research and education
- Demonstrated academic leadership at the level of dean or above at a doctoral-granting institution, including broad experience and strength in budget management of complex organizations, program development, strategic planning, assessment, accreditation, and personnel management
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals and groups in all sectors of the University and external to the University
- Demonstrated commitment to principles of cultural awareness and equal opportunity
- Distinguished record of teaching, scholarly accomplishments in research and/or creative activity commensurate with that of a tenured full professor
- An understanding and appreciation of the broad spectrum of UM's academic programs and research, including the liberal arts and sciences tradition, graduate and professional schools, online offerings, and integrated, comprehensive two-year colleges
Preferred Qualifications
- A personal leadership style that brings vision, passion, and purpose to the University's institutional mission, values, and culture
- A personal management style that is approachable, energetic, and willing to involve stakeholders in the decision-making process
- Extensive experience in generating and managing extramural funding for both academic programs and research through a variety of awards including private fundraising
How to Apply
For more information about the University of Montana, please visit umt.edu. A complete description of this exceptional opportunity along with detailed information about the qualifications as well as the application, nomination, or inquiry process is available online at http://www.umt.edu/president/Provost%20Search/default.php or https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/executive-vice-president-for-academic-affairs-and-provost-university-of-montana.
Application materials must include:
- A letter of interest, which includes your vision for the role of the Provost of the University of Montana over the next five years
- A curriculum vitae
- Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five professional references who will be contacted only after candidates are notified
Applicant materials can be sent to umontanaprovost@agbsearch.com. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications should be received by January 31, 2018.
UM has retained AGB Search to assist with this search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and referrals may be sent to Sally Mason, Ph.D. (sally.mason@agbsearch.com or 765-414-0299) or Rod McDavis, Ph.D. (rod.mcdavis@agbsearch.com or 804-514-1982).
To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.
Video: There's This Place
Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, ability and perspectives are encouraged to apply. AA/EEO/ADA/Veterans Preference Employer
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