Executive Vice President and Provost
The University of Nebraska (NU) seeks an academic leader for the position of Executive Vice President and Provost. NU is a four-campus public university with approximately 50,000 students and an annual operating budget of $2.2 billion. The University’s central administration offices are located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Reporting to the President, the Executive Vice President and Provost (Provost) is NU’s chief academic officer and, after the President, the University’s ranking administrative officer. She or he serves as Dean of the University’s Graduate College, presiding officer of the graduate faculty and chair of the Executive Graduate Council, responsible for implementing policies governing graduate studies and research and for approving new graduate programs. The Provost acts as advisor to the President, campus chancellors, and the Board of Regents on matters related to academic affairs, graduate studies and research, and student affairs.
As the principal officer for academic affairs in the University, the Provost is responsible for recommending changes in or additions to academic programs for consideration by the President and the Board of Regents. She or he provides leadership in coordinating academic programs among the campuses to improve the effectiveness of the University. The Provost monitors the academic quality of the University, coordinates long-range academic planning, and reports to the Board of Regents on progress made on NU’s strategic plan as well as other academic matters. The Provost coordinates matters in the area of student affairs that have University-wide implications. The Provost is assisted by the Council of Academic Officers (CAO), which is chaired by the Provost and consists of the chief academic officers from each of the four campuses and the vice chancellors for research from the Lincoln campus and the Medical Center. The Provost uses the CAO in both an advisory and a policy role in executing the functions of her/his office and in developing academic policies for the University as a whole.
The University seeks an academic leader with outstanding credentials that warrant appointment as a full professor on one or more NU campuses, a record of excellence in teaching and research, and administrative leadership gained in a large, complex, and diverse higher education environment. Prior experience within a public multi-campus or multi-university environment is an advantage. Respect for shared governance and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, yet decisively, will be important requirements. The successful candidate will likely have held a senior administrative appointment (Provost, Vice President or Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, or Dean) in a complex university or university-system setting with experience working with governing boards, administration and faculty. She or he will demonstrate evidence of strategic thinking and long-range vision; excellent leadership skills; commitment to academic quality; appreciation for the mission of a land-grant university; the ability to serve as a spokesperson for the University; financial acumen; collaborative and interpersonal skills in teaming with colleagues and partners; a track record of commitment to diversity and to building diverse leadership teams; and the wisdom to support four unique campuses to achieve excellence while determining when it is appropriate to promote centralized leadership on university-wide agendas. Capacity to work within a national context is essential, as is the ability to work within a Nebraska culture that is direct, pragmatic, authentic, and inclusive.
The University of Nebraska has retained the services of Diversified Search for this assignment. Screening will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. All communications will be treated confidentially. Nominations, inquiries, and applications (including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names of five references) should be directed electronically, in confidence, to
Nebraska.Provost@divsearch.com.
For further information, please contact:
Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D., Managing Director and Practice Leader
Manuel A. Gongon, Jr., Vice President and Senior Associate
Diversified Search
2005 Market Street, Suite 3300, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-656-3588
The University of Nebraska is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, which seeks and encourages expression of interest from minorities and groups traditionally under represented.
