Provost and Dean of Faculty

An Invitation to Apply

Provost and Dean of Faculty

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Geneva, New York

Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) seek a strategic, thoughtful, and inspiring leader as their next Provost and Dean of Faculty. The Provost and Dean of Faculty will join HWS at a transformative time, working closely with the new president, Dr. Joyce Jacobsen, to strategically align HWS’ academic vision and student experience with the Colleges’ mission and path for the future. This is an opportunity to partner with an ambitious and thoughtful new leader, and to work in concert with the HWS community to reimagine and strengthen the academic enterprise at a unique institution. Building on the Colleges’ many successes and institutional assets, including high-quality educational programs, excellent students, a strong alumni and donor base, and talented and committed faculty and staff, the Provost and Dean will have the opportunity to further shape and enhance Hobart and William Smith for years to come.

The Colleges’ academic mission emphasizes student-centered learning and a commitment to the liberal arts in a highly interactive environment where excellence in teaching and scholarship are equally valued. Faculty scholarship is significant at HWS and is a major part of the institution’s identity. Students and alumni/ae frequently describe their experiences at the Colleges as one of intellectual and personal awakening. The HWS experience offers young people with high aspirations the chance to acquire critical skills and to choose among many paths in academic concentration, service, leadership, athletics, and profession. Students are urged at every turn to discern their interests, and to test their emergent skills on campus and in the world of practice. Strong mentorship by HWS faculty is the foundation of students’ success. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1, rivaling most liberal arts colleges and private universities. As a direct result of faculty engagement and strong programming, student retention and graduation are regularly eight to ten percentage points above prediction, as ranked by US News.

The Colleges boast strong innovative and experiential programs, which have garnered much acclaim. Service-learning courses are an established part of the HWS curriculum, and coursework from the arts to the sciences regularly involves collaborative endeavors among students, faculty, staff, and/or the local community. Participation in the highly developed Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL) links virtually every student to community service projects throughout their four years. The Colleges are rightfully proud of Washington Monthly’s #1 ranking for Service in their latest 2018 College Guide and Rankings (#42 overall). The Colleges have also been recognized as one of the nation’s top colleges and universities regarding the number of recipients of US Fulbright Student Awards and study abroad participation and engagement.

Reporting to the President, the Provost and Dean of Faculty is the lead advocate for academic and student success, curricular-inclusive excellence, and the intellectual mission of the Colleges. They will craft and guide collaborative, equitable, and financially sustainable pathways for the Colleges. The Provost and Dean will be a key partner for the new President, faculty, and campus community in defining the strategic academic vision for the Colleges, supporting faculty, and fostering intellectual community. Responsibilities include recruitment, support, and evaluation of faculty and key staff; facilitating ongoing curricular conversations, innovations, and initiatives; and budgetary management for all academic programs. Candidates must be outstanding scholars and teachers who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, equity, and inclusion. In addition, the successful candidate will have demonstrated collaborative leadership, an ability to cultivate a broadly diverse community, and openness to new ideas. The Provost and Dean should exhibit high integrity and possess strong belief in the value of a liberal arts education in and for today’s world.

A search committee of faculty, staff, and students is working with Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this recruitment. All inquiries, nominations/referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be sent electronically and in confidence to:

Kate Barry or Karen McPhedran

Isaacson, Miller

263 Summer Street, 7th Floor

Boston, MA 02210

www.imsearch.com/7007

Hobart and William Smith Colleges are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer with a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion.