Executive Vice President and Provost

The University of Akron (UA) invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Executive Vice President and Provost ("Provost"). This new leader will be the second-ranking officer of the University and a close partner of President Gary L. Miller, who began his tenure in October 2019.

The University of Akron is one of Ohio's most influential public urban research universities, conducting high-quality research in focused areas of excellence, contributing to the vitality of the local economy, and providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines. UA offers nearly 20,000 students a wide variety of in-demand associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctoral and professional degree programs with a career-focused emphasis. As a STEM-intensive institution, UA has strong connections with industries such as polymers, advanced materials and engineering. UA brings together a diverse group of learners – full-time, part-time and online students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom – enrolled across eleven colleges and schools, including Engineering, Health Professions, Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Applied Science and Technology, Education, Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, Law, the Graduate School, the non-degree-granting Williams Honors College, and a branch campus (Wayne College), along with three other sites in Northeast Ohio.

The Provost will be a forward-looking academic leader with the vision, leadership skills and strategic management experience to take UA to the next level of academic excellence and student success. Embracing the mission of public education in an urban environment, the Provost will understand and strengthen the important social, cultural and economic roles public education plays in the city, region and state. Equally important is the need for the Provost to apply strong management skills in implementing the next phase of UA's overall strategic plan, including ensuring an aggressive enrollment strategy; recruiting and empowering a strong team of entrepreneurial deans; advancing the University's research prominence and productivity; and championing UA's commitment to creating a framework for excellence that incorporates diversity at its core.

The University of Akron’s next Provost will have the opportunity to contribute to the University’s future successes and achieve the following professional and personal aspirations:

  • Serve as a passionate advocate of the academic mission to enhance the University’s success, reputation and quality;
  • Personally oversee the implementation of the academic affairs elements of a thoughtful and comprehensive strategic plan that will further strengthen the University’s mission, impact and resources;
  • Recruit and develop a high-performing team of new college deans;
  • Partner with a seasoned President and energetic corps of faculty, contract professionals and staff; and
  • Actively engage as an influential leader in the city of Akron as well as the region and meaningfully impact the quality of life for people across the state of Ohio.

A full Leadership Profile is available online at: www.wittkieffer.com.

Inquiries, nominations, and expressions of interest are invited and should be sent to WittKieffer's consultants John Thornburgh and Elizabeth Bohan at UAkronProvost@wittkieffer.com. For formal consideration, individuals should submit materials including the following: 1) an expression of interest letter addressing the leadership opportunities and qualifications articulated within the Leadership Profile; 2) a curriculum vitae or resume; and 3) a list of at least five references with contact information.

The position will remain open until filled. Complete expressions of interest received by January 15, 2020 are assured full consideration. Nominations and expressions of interest will be treated in confidence. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of individuals expressing their interest.

The University of Akron is an equal education and employment institution. It is the policy of this institution that there shall be no unlawful discrimination against any individual in employment or in its programs or activities at The University of Akron because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military status or status as a veteran. The University is also committed to the principles of affirmative action and acts in accordance with state and federal laws.