Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, TN Full-time Education

Posted on April 23, 2024

Apply Now

The University of Tennessee Southern
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

The University of Tennessee Southern invites applications and nominations for the appointment of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The University is seeking an accomplished scholar, visionary leader, and proven academic administrator to serve in this role. The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will have a unique opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of the institution.

About the University

The University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern) is a small public university established in 2021through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College, founded in 1870.Located in Pulaski, UT Southern stands as the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. It is the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and situated along Tennessee's southern border, the campus is conveniently located about 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama. The 1,000 students enrolled at UT Southern enjoy a private, small-college experience at an affordable, public-university cost. Low student-teacher ratios, high classroom personalization, and the resources of a land-grant university system are among the many advantages students experience. More than 30 academic programs are available through the divisions of business, education, humanities, mathematics and sciences, nursing, and social sciences. The UT Southern Firehawks, competing in the Southern States Athletic Conference, have 19 nationally competitive athletic teams. Both the women and men's soccer programs have recently won the national championship.

About the Position

As Chief Academic Officer, the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (P&VCAA) provides exemplary leadership, strategic direction, and a bold vision for the academic mission at the University of Tennessee Southern. An innovative mindset and collaborative style are vital for advancing academic success. Reporting to the Chancellor, the P&VCAA is responsible for oversight of the university's core academic mission, schools, and services that support them on a campus where academic excellence, access, and student success are top priorities. The P&VCAA will work collaboratively with other vice chancellors and systemwide administration, lead the execution of the UT Southern Strategic Plan, and foster innovative solutions to complex higher education challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The P&VCAA provides vision and leadership for the academic enterprise; is responsible for oversight of the academic mission of the institution including, schools, departments and units that support it; works collaboratively with the UT Southern Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and systemwide administration; provides leadership for faculty and staff development; expands educational opportunities; oversees program development and evaluation; provides leadership for research and scholarship; oversees specialized and institutional accreditation; and provides leadership for the campus's academic plan.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates should have an earned terminal degree in an academic discipline from an accredited institution, as well as a distinguished record of research/scholarship, teaching, and service suitable for a tenured appointment. Candidates should also be a proven academic leader with experience in a senior academic position and have significant knowledge and understanding of higher education.

Nominations and Applications

The full leadership profile can be found here: Leadership Profile

Priority consideration will be given to materials received by May 24, 2024. Applications should include a 1) current CV and 2) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described above.

Buffkin/Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting UT Southern in the search. Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:
Buffkin / Baker
Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner
Ms. Chelsie Whitelock, Associate Partner
utsouthernprovost@buffkinbaker.com

Compensation for the position will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, and much more.

Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee's benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section504 (disability), the ADA(disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the System Human Resources, Knoxville, TN 37996, telephone 865- 974-8170. Requests for accommodation of a disability may also be directed to this office.

Apply Now