Associate Provost for Artificial Intelligence, Research, and Professional Development

The Associate Provost for Artificial Intelligence, Research, and Professional Development will serve as the inaugural Director of Lander University’s Center for Applied AI, leading a university-wide initiative to advance AI literacy, educate faculty, integrate AI into curricula, build student proficiency, meet employer demand, and enhance operations. This groundbreaking position represents a strategic investment in preparing students, faculty, and the regional workforce for an AI-driven future and establishing Lander as a national model for practical AI integration in higher education. This position reports directly to the Provost and serves on the senior academic leadership team. The Associate Provost supervises the Director of Research and the Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence, integrating AI initiatives across research support and faculty professional development. The role requires collaboration across the entire university, working closely with academic deans, department chairs, faculty, students, and other stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Educational Technology, or related field
• Demonstrated expertise in AI technologies, practical applications, and their ethical, regulatory, and social implications
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change in complex environments
• Ability to translate technical concepts effectively for non-technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in relevant discipline
• Experience in higher education administration, academic affairs, or related educational leadership roles
• Proven track record of successful AI application and implementation in education and workforce development
• Experience developing and implementing AI policies, governance frameworks, or institutional strategies

Primary Responsibilities

The Associate Provost will be responsible for the following key areas:

Strategic Leadership and Center Development

• Provide the primary vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Center for Applied AI
• Advise the President, Provost, and senior leadership on emerging AI trends, risks, and opportunities across academic and administrative domains Identify and recommend AI tools that improve student services, decision support, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability Establish university policy for responsible AI use in instruction, research, and operations, including privacy, security, and data governance standards
• Design and execute a long-range plan for the Center’s growth, financial sustainability, and national recognition as a model for practical AI integration
• Oversee the Center's budget, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness

Academic and Curricular Innovation

• Foster a culture of experimentation, innovation, and continuous learning around AI literacy and applications
• Through workshops, mentoring, and resource application, promote innovative teaching and learning practices that leverage AI to enhance student success and engagement
• Collaborate with faculty to develop targeted exercises and clear learning outcomes that enable students to demonstrate proficiency with AI tools and applications
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training and resources to educate Lander faculty on the effective and ethical use of available AI tools
• Encourage the development of new AI-related courses, minors, and degree programs

External Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Act as the university’s primary representative for applied AI, building strategic partnerships with employers, government, and nonprofits to co-develop projects, talent pipelines, and training aligned with South Carolina labor market demand
• Secure external grants and funding to support the Center's strategic initiatives

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Lander University offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and generous leave benefits

About Lander University

Lander University is a public regional comprehensive university in South Carolina whose primary mission is teaching undergraduate and graduate students and preparing them for the future workforce. The university is committed to high-quality education, faculty scholarship, operational excellence, and serving regional needs. This position represents a transformational opportunity to shape the future of AI in higher education at a forward-thinking institution committed to innovation and student success.

Application Materials

Interested candidates should submit:

• Letter of interest outlining vision for the Center for Applied AI at Lander University and relevant leadership experience
• Current curriculum vitae or resume
• Contact information for three professional references

Electronic submission of materials via email is required.

Screening of applications will begin January 12, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled

Final candidates will be required to successfully complete background check procedures.

Lander University is committed to equal opportunity employment and being an employer of choice. Lander believes that corresponding differences within the faculty and staff, whether based on ethnicity, race, gender, religion, age, or other experiences, are tremendous assets to the role of Lander as an educational institution and within the community, region, and state. Moreover, Lander is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. As a result, it is the policy and commitment of Lander that it will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or other protected characteristics.  AA / EOE / ADA / Title IX/EO/AA Employer.

Lander University is a tobacco-free campus.

For more information about the University and Greenwood, SC, please visit the Lander University website.