Provost & Chief Academic Officer

Primary Purpose

The provost is the University’s Chief Academic Officer, reporting directly to the President. This leadership role shapes the university’s academic future and has a meaningful impact on students’ lives. The provost provides leadership to faculty and academic staff to ensure consistent quality standards in curriculum and programs that meet students’ needs. The provost also serves as Dean of the Faculty and presides over the Academic Council.

Additionally, the provost is an ex officio member of all academic committees and councils within the University, represents the University’s academic programs to all constituent groups, and acts as the chief academic planning officer, ensuring compliance with accreditation agencies and Federal and State regulations. The provost is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and the University Leadership Team and attends all Board of Trustees meetings.

• Serve as chief administrative officer for the academic services of the University:
  • Supervise all personnel in the Office of Academic Affairs.
  • Plan and preside over regular meetings of the Academic Council, including screening proposals submitted to this body, and prepare the agenda for the meeting.
  • Schedule meetings for all academic committees and determine their membership in consultation with faculty officers.
  • Serve on the Executive Leadership Team and University Leadership Team and, as needed, on other academic committees.
  • Make recommendations to the President on matters related to the academic personnel of the University:
    • The employment and retention of faculty and staff personnel under the provost’s jurisdiction.
    • The appointment of Deans and department Chairs.
    • Plan and execute the annual programs for Fall Faculty Workshop, Honors Day, Adjunct Faculty Training, and, in coordination with the President, Commencement.
    • Serve as administrative liaison to the Faculty and Curriculum Committee of the Board of Trustees.
    • Revise and update the Faculty Handbook on a biennial basis in consultation with the Academic Council and other administrative offices.
• Develop, coordinate, and supervise the work of the academic divisions, the Library, and the Registrar’s Office, working closely with division chairs, department heads, and faculty to foster a collaborative educational environment that values shared success:
  • Study the needs of divisions or administrative units and make recommendations.
  • Work with division chairs, department heads, and the President to apportion the budget for the academic divisions, the library, and the Registrar’s Office.
  • Coordinate the search process for new faculty, including advertising, initial contact, collecting and evaluating documentation, arranging for and implementing the campus visit, and making a final recommendation to the President.
  • Develop and promote communication among the academic divisions.
  • Direct and coordinate the planning for the curriculum of the University based upon regular review of course offerings, enrollments, faculty loads, student needs, and other relevant data.
  • Lead the faculty in a continuous process of reviewing and evaluating the curriculum.
  • Plan and lead evaluation and assessment of student needs.
  • Direct and coordinate the curriculum revision process.
• Serve as Dean of the faculty in all matters of faculty development and evaluation:
  • Promote faculty growth and development.
  • Plan and implement an annual program of in-service training, including faculty workshops.
  • Encourage faculty study and administer budgetary allocation for faculty study.
  • Encourage faculty participation in professional organizations.
  • Assist in the improvement of instruction for new faculty and others who need improvement.
  • Encourage faculty research, publication, and other scholarly pursuits.
  • Evaluate the performance of the faculty.
  • Collect and review course syllabi and student evaluations.
  • Collect and review data on faculty loads and productivity.
  • Review all facets of faculty evaluations and hold a conference with Deans at least once a year.
• Compile and publish the University Catalog.
• Oversee the progress of students’ academic processes:
  • Maintain necessary learning resources.
  • Monitor mid‑term and…