Provost

Winthrop University, a top ranked public, comprehensive, masters-level university, seeks a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as Provost. As the chief academic officer, the Provost guides the academic direction of Winthrop and fosters a cohesive leadership team across all academic and administrative support units that reflect the University’s commitment to academic excellence, teaching, and research. The Provost reports directly to the President and serves on the President’s Senior Leadership Team. The preferred start date is as early as January 2024.

Complete information is available in the Search Profile

https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/Winthrop-Provost23.pdf

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University is in the thriving city of Rock Hill, South Carolina, a vibrant suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina. Ranked 6th by U.S. News & World Report among Southern public universities and in the top 20 of public and private institutions in the region, the University provides an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement, enabling students to develop the knowledge, skills, and values that enrich their lives and prepare them for all the future holds. The University is under the leadership of President Edward A. Serna, Ed.D.

            Serving nearly 3,800 undergraduate and more than 900 graduate students, Winthrop prides itself on being a close-knit, diverse campus family. The University is at the forefront of educational opportunities and offers degrees that meet today’s growing and emerging job markets. Students can pursue 48 undergraduate majors and 34 graduate programs and certificates across five colleges: College of Arts & Sciences; College of Business

Administration; College of Educations, Sport, and Human Sciences; College of Visual & Performing Arts; and University College.

     While South Carolina residents comprise 84 percent of the enrollment, Winthrop has a diverse student body with 41 states and 35 countries represented. Approximately 85 percent of the undergraduate students and 33 percent of graduate students attend full-time.

     Through national accreditation, the University has set a high bar of excellence with its accredited programs. Winthrop is one of only 37 U.S. universities and the only South Carolina institution with its undergraduate and graduate arts programs—theatre, dance, music, fine arts, and design—nationally accredited. Additionally, the Business College is AACSB-accredited—a designation held by less than five percent of business programs worldwide.

     Winthrop has been listed in U.S. News & World Report’s Top 10 Regional Public Universities in the South in the magazine’s “America’s Best Colleges” for more than two decades. The University is highly respected for its outstanding undergraduate research program, public art partnerships, and designation as a Certified Green Workplace. Through the South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE) initiative, Winthrop has provided hundreds of student-centered research experiences since 2005, increasing the matriculation of participating students into graduate and professional programs.

     Winthrop has 150+ student organizations, from interest-based clubs and leadership development organizations to recreational programs and Greek Life. The Council of Student Leaders, the student government body; the DiGiorgio Student Union, the programming board; orientation leaders; peer mentors; and the Resident Students Association encourage students to become involved and active on campus.

     For students who want to explore the world through global academic experiences, the University has study abroad options. Undergraduate students can earn WU credit through academic coursework at other universities in the U.S. and abroad. These options include a course followed by travel led by experienced WU faculty, internships, virtual language, or other study abroad courses, and even service-learning projects.

Winthrop University provides personalized and challenging undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education programs of national caliber within a context dedicated to public service to the nation and to the State of South Carolina. Winthrop’s longtime commitment to be among the very best institutions of its kind in the nation continually guides the mission of the University.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Responsible for the Division of Academic Affairs, the Provost oversees the deans of five colleges and the library, as well as the offices of institutional research and effectiveness, grants and sponsored research, records, and registration, and the Provost leadership team. An advocate for all academic programs, the Provost provides leadership to faculty and academic staff to ensure consistent quality standards in curriculum and programs meet the needs of students. This key strategic leader oversees the academic integrity of the University and provides leadership in long-range planning, budgeting, curriculum, and program development in the academic areas.

LEADERSHIP AGENDA AND PROVOST PRIORITIES

• Refine the University’s academic and co-curricular programs, offerings, and services to anticipate new needs and initiatives as well as additional revenue-generating opportunities.
• Manage the Division of Academic Affairs, including implementation of the University’s Strategic Plan and academic plans; defines and articulates the roles and activities of deans and direct reports. Promotes and facilitates shared governance and promotes data-driven, decision-making processes that are collaborative and transparent across the University.
• Develop Academic Affairs’ short- and long-term goals and objectives that align with the university’s strategic plan. Effectively and appropriately, determine priorities, assess, and modify academic affairs’ budget annually to provide sufficient resources for operations aligned with goals and objectives.
• Coordinate and lead student success initiatives, particularly efforts to improve student retention and graduation rates. Collaborate with leadership in the Enrollment Management and Marketing Division to provide academic-related input regarding the recruitment and retention of a successful student community.
• Promote cooperation, collaboration, and partnerships with other institutions of higher education, statewide and regionally, in order to advance the university’s goals and objectives and engage the community with the university’s efforts to address the needs and advance the development of the region.
• Positively represent academic affairs to internal and external constituents in support of its efforts and in recognition of its accomplishments. Coordinate with other university administrators to collaborate endeavors across the university.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE, ATTRIBUTES, AND CHARACTERISTICS

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree and a proven record of teaching, scholarship, and service that merit appointment as a full professor at Winthrop University—previous substantial experience in the following areas required: academic planning, fiscal management of large budgets, and resource allocation; oversight of shared governance processes to include policy development and maintenance and collaboration with faculty committees; personnel management to include the management of compensation plans and problem-solving; and, experience making high-level decisions and managing academic affairs-related communication
• Essential personal characteristics of integrity, excellent listening skills, inner strength, stamina, an approachable and engaging demeanor, and the desire to be a visible presence on campus and in the community
• A decisive, adaptive, and innovative leader with an ability to create annual goals for the institution and integrate those into the operational plans for departments and to bring about data-driven results
• A successful history as a catalyst for change with demonstrated change management skills and experience, including the ability to galvanize and inspire employees
• A history of assembling and motivating a dedicated, focused, powerful, and dynamic team with a record of accomplishment related to approved goals and timely implementation
• Strong communication and collaboration skills and a transparent approach to leadership—the ability to work effectively with multiple constituencies including faculty, staff, students, Trustees, alumni, donors, community partners, and peers at other South Carolina colleges and universities. The ability to recognize and encourage innovation. A proven record of moving new programs through internal and external governance processes
• A champion of academic rigor who will foster an environment that spurs innovative thinking around curricular and co-curricular development and educational outcomes
• A demonstrated record of accomplishment and impact in advancing issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging a culture of and acceptance for a wide continuum of diverse thought and comfortably participating in and championing open dialogue on matters of importance to include a spectrum of political opinions

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA

Rock Hill is a business-savvy blend of historic charm, responsibly implemented expansion, and warm hospitality. Currently a community of 67,000 residents, the city has experienced rapid growth over the past few years and is expected to continue that trend as South Carolina is the sixth fastest growing state in the U.S., and York County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation with a population of over 300,000 citizens.

     Named an “All-America City” by the National Civic League in 2019, Rock Hill is a great place to live, work, and enjoy unforgettable adventures. The area offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, and recreation, with all the amenities of a major city. Charlotte, North Carolina, with a metro population of 2.7 million people, is a 20-mile drive away.

     Some of the exciting growth in Rock Hill is the development of Knowledge Park, a master planned area, home to technology leaders, innovative startups, and creative industries. Within Knowledge Park and adjacent to Winthrop is University Center, a mixed-use development of 14 buildings that include: market rate apartments, student housing, Class A office space, an indoor sports complex, a hotel, numerous retail and food vendors, restaurants, an outdoor entertainment venue, and more.

     Rock Hill has an impressive array of venues including a Velodrome, BMX Supercross Track, soccer and tennis complexes, and Miracle Park with fields specifically designed for individuals with physical and cognitive challenges.

APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

Applications

Application packet must include:

a) A letter of application articulating the candidate’s interest in the position, qualifications, and relevant experience
b) A current curriculum vitae or résumé
c) Names and e-mail addresses for five professional references who can speak to the work of the candidate (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)

Interested candidates must apply using the following link: Winthrop-Provost@myersmcrae.com. Submit application packet materials preferably as PDFs. Additional information will be requested upon receipt of application. A review of applications will begin on September 15, 2023, at which time the application period will close if an acceptable applicant pool is received.

Nominations

Submit nominations to Winthrop-Provost-nominate@myersmcrae.com with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

Consultant

Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is assisting Winthrop University with this search. Request a conversation regarding this search at KennyDaugherty@myersmcrae.com

 

Winthrop University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting

478-330-6222 | www.myersmcrae.com