Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Western New England University invites applications, nominations and expressions of interest in the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.

Western New England University (WNE) is a visionary leader for quality and innovation in higher education. A private, independent, coeducational institution founded in 1919 with an attractive 215-acre suburban campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England University serves 3,800 students, including more than 2,600 full-time undergraduate students. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered by 237 full-time and 109 part-time faculty through Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and School of Law. The low student-to-faculty ratio allows faculty to work closely with students in class, labs and guided research. The university offers a myriad of experiential learning opportunities, including field experiences, student teaching, engineering design projects, and internships at a network of more than 1,000 companies and organizations across the country. WNE is a proven leader in preparing its graduates for careers. In a survey of the class of 2019, 92% were employed, offered employment or admitted into graduate school within six months of graduation. In addition, the welcoming campus climate offers students many community activities, leadership opportunities and athletics.

Under the leadership of President Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D., who was appointed in the summer of 2020, WNE is well positioned to build on its strong programs, enrollment, and financial position to plan its future. With a tradition of excellence in teaching, research and scholarship and a commitment to provide innovative liberal and professional education opportunities, Western New England is one of only a few U.S. comprehensive institutions with national and international accreditations at the highest levels enrolling under 5,000 students. The university serves an increasingly diverse population of students from the northeastern U.S., the nation, and the world.

This is a unique opportunity to join WNE as the university reimagines and realizes its future as a modern student-centered institution. Working with the president, the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost (VPAAP) will collaborate with the WNE community to achieve the university's goals. In concert with fellow university leaders, deans, faculty, staff and students, the VPAAP will strengthen and empower the academic leadership team; cultivate a strategic vision and priorities for academic affairs; contribute to the university’s long-term financial sustainability; instill an institutional culture of diversity, equity and inclusion; and foster a campus culture of shared governance, communication, transparency and respect. An earned doctorate or other terminal degree from an accredited institution and a record of outstanding scholarship and excellent university-level teaching, meriting an appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure are required.

More information about Western New England University may be found at www.wne.edu.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited at WittKieffer.com. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's Candidate Portal. Applications should include: a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile and a CV or resume.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Lucy Leske and Sarah Miller at WNEProvost@wittkieffer.com.

Candidate confidentially will be respected, and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received by January 22, 2021.

Western New England University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome candidates whose background may contribute to the further diversification of our community.