Lock Haven University, a transformational institution that helps students “soar higher” by being a leader within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in creating opportunities for social and economic mobility, seeks a strategic and innovative academic leader with a record of success as its next Provost. The successful candidate will be an individual who can inspire and encourage, energetically advocate for faculty, and lead with a commitment to students and the success of Lock Haven University.

The Position: Reporting to the new President, the Provost’s portfolio includes a wide breadth: 209 faculty 61 staff, and 31 coaches within the areas of the Stephen Poorman College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services; the College of Liberal Arts and Education; the College of Natural, Behavioral, and Health Sciences; Planning and Assessment; Library Services; the Center for Global Engagement; the Center for Career and Professional Development; and Athletics. The Provost provides vision, leadership, and direction for academic affairs, maintains a coherent set of academic program offerings appropriate to LHU’s mission and vision, and oversees the evaluation of academic programs as well as the introduction of new programs to meet regional needs and respond to market demands, including adult education, online education, and workforce development. The Provost will be a key leader for Lock Haven on the Pennsylvania State System Redesign toward cross-institutional delivery of academic programs and work in collaboration with other system schools. S/he will coordinate University program development with those of other State System institutions, and advocate for new academic program approvals at the state level. The Provost supervises, mentors, and evaluates the deans and other administrators of the academic affairs unit; serves as the liaison between academic affairs and the division of enrollment management and student affairs; leads ceremonial events focused on academics, such as convocation and commencement; advises the President on all matters related to the academic functions of the University; participates in planning activities for the University including strategic planning, enrollment management planning, and diversity planning; represents the University in the Pennsylvania State System groups and initiatives; fosters relationships with individuals, agencies, and businesses in the community and seeks partnership opportunities to increase transfer students and with K-12 for dual enrollment and more; and inspires faculty, staff, and students to deepen the inclusion of diverse and global perspectives in the curriculum and in extracurricular activities. In the absence of the President, the Provost serves as acting president and often undertakes special projects or assignments as a member of the senior leadership team.

Qualifications: The Provost of Lock Haven University is the institution’s chief academic officer and provides strategic leadership for all areas of academic affairs of the University. The next Provost must be an ambitious, student-focused, data-driven, and experienced leader with a passion for public higher education and an understanding of state system challenges and opportunities. Experience successfully leading an institution through regional and/or programmatic accreditation as well as program and curriculum development will be essential. The next Provost will be able to navigate the balance of programs, audiences, and learning modalities for current and future students. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of effective academic administration, model the values of academic integrity and civility, and bring intellectual depth and entrepreneurial spirit to the campus. S/he should have experience with or an understanding of shared governance in a collective bargaining environment and an understanding of state-level politics in public higher education. Commitment to transparency, communication, and collaboration as well as a diverse and global dimension to teaching, research, and service is vital. Strong leadership, diplomacy, communication, interpersonal, planning, time management, and resource allocation skills are essential. A doctoral/terminal degree or equivalent experience is required.

The Institution: Lock Haven University is a welcoming community of enthusiastic students as well as a committed faculty and staff with a history of providing transformational education through a personalized experience. Since its founding in 1870 as Central State Normal School, Lock Haven University, one of the 14 institutions in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, has been a leader in public higher education. Long-recognized for its academic rigor and its excellence in teacher preparation, “The Haven” now offers a full array of 60 degree programs, including 49 undergraduate majors and certifications, 47 minors, and eight graduate programs, on its attractive 175-acre main campus and its branch campus in Clearfield, PA. More than 3,150 undergraduate students and nearly 400 graduate learners enroll annually, and the University employs 280 staff members and 209 full-time faculty, of whom 92% hold earned doctorates or terminal degrees. All courses are taught by faculty, and the student-faculty ratio is 16:1. Fully accredited as a University, and holding prestigious discipline-specific accreditations for many of its programs, LHU is respected throughout the Commonwealth for its commitment to international learning and friendship through The Center for Global Engagement, a study abroad and exchange program. To learn more about the University, please visit https://www.lockhaven.edu.

Location: Lock Haven University’s main campus is located on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in the scenic mountains of central Pennsylvania. The historic town of Lock Haven is home to approximately 10,000 residents and boasts a vital downtown with tree-lined streets and beautiful Victorian homes in a safe and quiet environment. Local attractions include the Millbrook Playhouse, the Clinton County Arts Council, the Clinton County Historical Society, Heisey House Museum, Piper Aviation Museum as well as many other cultural amenities. Experiencing four distinct seasons, the Susquehanna Valley region offers numerous, year-round outdoor activities, including active hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, kayaking, photography, skiing, and sightseeing. Several state parks, such as Bald Eagle State Park and Hyner View State Park, are located near to Lock Haven. The City is also located within 30 miles of the diverse, small city of Williamsport (home of the Little League World Series) and the quintessential college town of State College (Penn State University). Central Pennsylvania combines the luxury and cost of living of a rural lifestyle with easy access to urban environments. Lock Haven is four hours from New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Pittsburgh.
 

Application: Interested candidates should submit only a cover letter and resume to RPA Inc. at LockHavenProvost@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please call Dana John Cohick, President, or Kendra Mozug, Search Consultant, at 570-321-6111. The review of candidates will begin on October 9, 2019, and first-round interviews will commence thereafter.

Lock Haven University is profoundly dedicated to cultural diversity and supports the integration of diverse and international perspectives within the working and learning environment. LHU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from people of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities. To learn more about diversity at LHU and in our community, visit www.lockhaven.edu/hr/socialequity.html