"Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs"

West Virginia University (WVU) invites nominations, inquiries and applications for the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Under the leadership of its new President Michael Benson, West Virginia University is embarking on the search for its next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The University seeks an inspirational academic leader to help us forge a path forward as a land-grant institution and the flagship university of the state. Our next Provost must understand our commitment to the land-grant mission and the vital role WVU plays in the state, bring a substantial understanding of the academic programs, research portfolio, extension and engagement programs, and evolving landscape of higher education, and demonstrate an unwavering dedication to lead in alignment with the University's values and strategic priorities. WVU is part of the WVU System, a family of distinctive campuses united by a single mission — we are leveraging our talents and resources to create a better future for West Virginia and the world. From the groundbreaking research of our flagship in Morgantown (ranked R1, the highest research category institution) to the student-centered focus of WVU Potomac State College in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Institute of Technology in Beckley. WVU has faculty in each of the 55 counties of the state, and services its people and businesses through Extension. The WVU System also includes the Health Sciences campus in Morgantown which is the largest concentration of health care, research, and health professions resources in the state as well as campuses in Charleston and Martinsburg. To serve as the University’s head academic officer, candidates must demonstrate the ability to administer all aspects of academic affairs, including overseeing academic deans, academic programs, student support services, curriculum development, faculty engagement and recruitment, academic budgets, institutional data, and accreditation. Candidates must also demonstrate the experience and capacity to lead a complex, statewide research university. It will be critical to engage the entire WVU community in manifesting a positive, compelling academic, research, and service portfolio for our University’s future. In addition, forging strong relationships built on trust and transparency will be monumental to securing the resources necessary to carry out the University’s mission and support its students, faculty, and staff. The next provost must work closely with the deans, faculty, staff, and administration to build on the University’s commitment to its access mission to offer more opportunities to pursue a degree in higher education for all student populations. With more than 300 majors for students to complete an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD or professional degree in 13 colleges and schools — plus a growing suite of micro credential opportunities for learners of all education levels — the Provost must ensure the University’s academic and outreach programs will help students and audiences it serves gain the skillsets and knowledge to meet evolving workforce demands. Above all, the next provost must continue to provide students with a high-quality education and academic experience while delivering exemplary support for faculty and instructors. The ideal candidate will display the following important qualifications and attributes: An earned terminal degree from an accredited institution. Academic credentials that merit appointment as a tenured full professor. Significant and relevant progressive academic leadership experience. This includes at least 10 years of progressively responsible academic leadership experience, preferably in a research-intensive university. Proven track record of advancing academic innovation and student success. Demonstrated effort to build a welcoming and supportive workplace for people of all backgrounds. Experience managing complex budgets and large academic enterprises. Strong interpersonal, communication, and change management skills. Collaborative leadership style and ability to foster trust and consensus.