Provost

Provost – Southern Utah University – Position Description

Southern Utah University (SUU) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Provost. As the chief academic officer of the University, the Provost provides leadership in all matters pertaining to academic services and scholarly activity at the University. This position reports directly to the President.

Southern Utah University is a comprehensive, regional university located in Cedar City, Utah, with total enrollments in excess of 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The University serves its students through eight colleges and schools, is part of the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) governed by the Utah Board of Higher Education and is accredited by Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities.

Additional information can be found .edu.

The University is situated in the heart of the largest concentration of national parks, monuments, and recreation areas in the United States, with the closest national park 20 minutes from campus. SUU is home to the Tony Award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival, sponsor of Division 1 athletics in the Big Sky Conference, and host of the Utah Summer Games.

Through a strong culture of collaboration and a clear commitment to student success, SUU has been recognized as the Best Four-Year Public University for Student Satisfaction and listed on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers—testament to our mission and the exceptional work of our faculty and staff. Our student body has doubled over the past decade, yet we remain intentional about providing a personalized, high‑quality educational experience.

With an average class size of 19.8, SUU fosters meaningful interaction and work‑based learning. We are proud of strong outcomes across the university, including a 72% retention rate and 62% graduation rate—ranking second in the state in both measures. Our graduates achieve a 92% overall job placement rate, with 97.3% of master’s graduates employed and 70% working in Utah.

SUU prioritizes programs that prepare students for high‑demand careers. Seventy‑four percent of degrees—undergraduate and graduate—are in 4‑ and 5‑star fields as designated by the Utah Department of Workforce Services, ensuring graduates are career‑ready. Recent initiatives include consolidating aviation programs into a unified School of Aviation and expanding a first‑of‑its‑kind Dual Enrollment Program with Southwest Technical College, which now serves 950 students, generates 5,000+ credits, and has saved participants over $2 million.

SUU is also advancing major academic facilities, including the Burgess Family Business Center and the George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Music Center, both scheduled for completion in 2026, with early planning underway for a new STEM Building, prioritized second in the USHE 2026–27 capital request. Administrators, faculty, and staff remain committed to an intentional, future‑focused academic vision.

The Provost is responsible for the academic operations of the University, including all areas that affect academic programs, faculty appointments, tenure and promotion, scholarly and creative efforts, service, and building upon the positive learning environment. The Provost plays a key role in strategic planning, allocation of budgetary resources, student success, and the promotion of a culture of caring across campus. The ideal candidate is a forward‑thinking, creative, and student‑centered leader that will continue to move SUU forward in the next era of higher education.

The specific interests, education, and experience of each individual candidate will be considered during the selection process to modify or augment the specific duties and responsibilities listed herein.

• Serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet, University Council, and other University policy and administrative bodies.
• Develops, administers, and promotes the academic programs and academic support functions of the University, including face‑to‑face and online modalities.
• Identifies and supports opportunities for career and professional development…