Provost; Chief Academic Officer

Southern Virginia University invites nominations, expressions of interest, and qualified applications as part of a national search for the position of Provost (Chief Academic Officer).

Located in Buena Vista, Va., Southern Virginia University is a private, faith-based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our mission is to gather faithful Latter-day Saints and those who share our values, lift them intellectually, socially, and spiritually, and launch them into successful lives and careers.

The hallmark of Southern Virginia University is its educational model: engaging and interactive classes—in the humanities, arts, and sciences—taught by devoted faculty who prioritize student learning “by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). Outside the classroom, our Knights are among the most actively engaged students in the country, participating in extracurricular activities at ten times the national average, including NCAA Division III athletics, fine and performing arts, student leadership and government, academic honors societies, and service organizations.

SVU graduates boast outstanding placement rates in elite graduate schools and serve as leaders in companies, communities, and the Church.

Southern Virginia University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), and is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for continuous innovation in learning, teaching, and the school environment.

Southern Virginia University is not owned, operated, or funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Provost at Southern Virginia University advises the University President on the planning, administration, coordination, and evaluation of all academic programs. Guiding academic strategy, the Provost leads the faculty, directs curriculum development, promotes teaching excellence, and oversees the process through which teaching is conducted and administered. In this critical role, the Provost ensures that curriculum design and delivery advance the University’s mission.

• President’s Council Member – Serves on the President’s Council and advises the President on general University business, strategic decisions, and advancement
• Academic Reporting – Informs the President, senior leadership, and Board of Trustees on academic matters, supplying all required reports, recommendations, findings, and correspondence for Board and President’s Council meetings
• Curriculum & Instruction – Supervises all curriculum and teaching—including outreach, summer offerings, scheduling, and overloads—and directs the development and implementation of academic strategic planning and program growth
• Faculty & Staff Oversight – Leads recruitment, development, appointments, contracts, and promotions for faculty and academic staff, providing recommendations to the President
• Program & Enrollment Strategy – Sets priorities for new programs and faculty growth, and provides academic input to institutional strategic enrollment efforts
• Program Review & Accreditation – Coordinates periodic academic program reviews and accreditation processes, partnering with Division Chairs to study, refine, and improve curriculum and instruction
• Academic Budget Management – Develops and administers the academic budget and related areas in concert with Division Chairs and the Chief Financial Officer
• Compliance & Effectiveness – With the Director of Institutional Effectiveness, ensures adherence to all state, federal, and accrediting regulations and future affiliations; partners with the Chief of Staff on SACSCOC, SCHEV, and related requirements
• Fundraising Collaboration – Works with the Vice President of Advancement to raise restricted and unrestricted funds for the University and its academic programs
• Culture & Safety – Cultivates teamwork, professionalism, and respect across the institution and may serve on the Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management…