PROVOST / VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (VPAA)
Willimantic, CT
Full Time
Senior Executive
The Provost/VPAA serves as the chief academic officer of Eastern Connecticut State University; is the primary architect of its academic strategy; and ensures educational offerings align with its mission as Connecticut’s designated public liberal arts university. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership for all aspects of the academic portfolio, including the development, implementation and oversight of high-quality educational programs, student-success initiatives and research activities.
The incoming Provost/VPAA will join Eastern at a transformative moment and has an excellent opportunity to shape its next chapter. Under the leadership of new President Karim Ismaili, the University is poised for strategic growth and has a clear vision focused on academic excellence, programmatic innovation and inclusivity.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal, institution-wide role in realizing the fullest potential of Eastern’s exceptional team; champion faculty development; enhance interdisciplinary collaboration; guide the University as it continues to provide a world-class education to students in Connecticut and beyond; and position Eastern as a leader in public liberal arts education, both regionally and nationally.
The Provost/VPAA works collaboratively with faculty, deans, senior administrators and external stakeholders to address emerging challenges and opportunities, drive innovation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
The position is instrumental in shaping Eastern’s strategic direction; advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives; and leading efforts to improve student retention, graduation and success. Additionally, the Provost/VPAA plays a critical role in digital transformation, overseeing the integration of advanced learning technologies and expanding educational opportunities to meet the evolving needs of students. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Provost/VPAA shares responsibility for advancing Eastern’s institutional goals; aligning academic priorities with the University’s Strategic Plan; and driving initiatives that support the broader vision set by President Ismaili in collaboration with the broader Eastern community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP OF THE DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
• In accordance with governing policies and collective bargaining agreements, ensure the timely and proper selection, assignment, evaluation, training and development of reporting administrators, faculty and staff within all academic programs and services. Build strong, supportive links within the Division and across the University.
• Provide direct oversight of academic deans and other direct reports, delegating appropriate authorities as needed and providing team members with the necessary information, feedback and support to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Model key behaviors and strategies for resolving work issues.
• Assist team members in defining shared and individual goals, meeting target dates and aligning effort across the Division.
• Offer support and guidance in the recruitment, retention, development, and advancement of outstanding faculty who demonstrates a commitment to the teacher-scholar model that is a hallmark of regional public universities.
• In conjunction with the Vice President for Finance and Administration and in consultation with
academic leaders, lead the preparation of the operating and capital budgets for Academic Affairs and ensure expenditures stay within approved budgets.
• Work collaboratively to maintain educational standards by establishing and implementing processes for the development, maintenance and evaluation of programs, courses, curriculum and instructional delivery systems and services.
• Enhance the provision of high-quality programs and academic services for students. Support the development of new courses and programs aligned with the mission of the University, faculty strengths and market needs. Ensure the responsiveness of programs by encouraging innovation that meets the needs of learners, communities and employers.
• Establish a role for and oversee research at the University, especially as it informs and supports teaching and ensures the development of affiliated support services.
• Provide regular reporting to the University Senate and its standing committees on all pertinent academic matters.
• Serve as the primary advisor to the President regarding those areas falling under the purview of the Provost/VPAA. Keep the President informed about any and all sensitive matters within the Division.
OTHER INSTITUTIONAL ROLES
• Act for the President when required. As requested, represent Eastern and advocate for its interests with government agencies, elected officials, civic leaders and other community groups.
• Collaborate with academic leaders across the Connecticut State College and Universities (CSCU) system to achieve system-wide goals. Participate in statewide task forces and special initiatives.
• Contribute to effective employee and labor relations. Provide timely input to management negotiating teams during collective bargaining periods.
• Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment by adhering to University policies and procedures and completing mandatory training programs.
• Establish a high personal standard of service and performance by actively participating in other duties as assigned, educational seminars professional programs, etc.
EDUCATIONAL & PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Doctoral degree
• Earned tenure at the rank of full professor with a minimum of seven years of university
faculty experience
• Minimum of seven years in positions of progressively increasing responsibility in academic administration.
• Strong track record of scholarship and service demonstrating impeccable academic credibility.
• Other qualifications for this position can be reviewed in the leadership profile: leadership profile.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
• A letter of interest that addresses specifically how the candidate’s experiences and qualifications align with the position profile. The complete profile for this position can be viewed at: leadership profile.
• A curriculum vitae; and,
• The names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of five references. Please include your professional relationship with each reference listed. References will not be contacted without prior permission granted by the candidate. All candidate names will remain confidential until the finalist stage.
FOR FULL CONSIDERATION, applications should be received by February 7, 2025. The search committee will continue its work until an appointment is made. Application materials should be sent electronically via Jazz-HR.
Eastern Connecticut State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: LaMar Coleman, Ed.D., Vice President for Equity and Diversity. Dr. Coleman can be reached at (860) 465-5112 or via email at [email protected].
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