PROVOST/VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Montana Technological University

Butte

Education and Knowledge, Student Achievement, Engaged Faculty, Community

PROVOST/VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

The Montana Technological University community and search committee invite applications and nominations for the position of Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA). The Provost/VCAA reports to the Chancellor and serves as the chief academic officer with major responsibilities for strategic planning and guiding all aspects of teaching and learning in support of student success. The position also acts in the capacity of chief executive officer in the absence of the Chancellor. The Provost/VCAA is charged with establishing the academic vision for Montana Technological University in pursuit of its mission, vision, and values through the contributions of the deans, faculty, staff, and their respective systems of support. Montana Technological University carries the prestige of being a Special Focus institution for the Montana University System with emphasis on engineering and related science and health specialties.

Montana Technological University comprises Highlands College, which offers associate degrees and certificates; the College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies; the School of Mines and Engineering; and the Graduate School, offering bachelor and master’s degrees, along with a Ph.D. in Materials Science. All degree offerings benefit from a tradition of high quality that has characterized the University since its founding in 1897.  At this time, the Provost/VCAA has several direct reports, including the Dean of the School of Mines and Engineering; Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies; the Dean of Highlands College; and the Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Student Success. The Library Director, Director of the Institute for Educational Outreach, Director of Institutional Research, and the Director of Distance Learning also report to the Provost/VCAA.

A creative, enterprising Provost/VCAA will work with a talented faculty and staff; they guide some 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The University’s athletic teams, the Orediggers, compete in six intercollegiate sports as members of the NAIA Frontier Conference. Montana Technological University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is rated #1 in the nation for “Best Value Engineering Schools” and among “The Best 384 Colleges 2019 Edition.”

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must meet the following qualifications:

• Respected, progressively responsible record of executive higher education academic leadership, one that demonstrates the kind of leadership skills needed to foster the academic progress and vitality of the University;

• Enrollment management know-how for student success, from effective recruitment and matriculation through graduation;

• Passionate appreciation for research and building a vibrant research culture;

• Deep understanding of curriculum and program development;

• Hands-on guidance and participation in strategic planning, including budgetary experience;

• Knowledge of innovative policy development and delivery in keeping with national education needs;

• Experience with accreditation demands at the national and regional levels;

• Collegial, supportive advocate for faculty and staff professional development; and

• The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. from a regionally accredited institution, preferably tenured in a STEM field. It also is preferred that this individual know the extensive duties of a deanship firsthand. The new Provost/VCAA should come with a record of academic and scholarly achievement sufficient to earn the respect of the academic community.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

It is important to the Montana Technological University community that the Provost/VCAA be simultaneously committed to a balance of academic excellence and operational efficiencies. The University seeks an individual with strong communication and team-building skills. The applicant must be an innovative and engaging leader for students and faculty/staff, alike. Likewise, she or he must value the tenets of shared governance in a collective bargaining environment. This individual will work to develop strategies to support diversity, equity, and inclusivity. She or he should bring a collaborative, inspirational presence to the University and work in tandem with the Chancellor to achieve a shared vision.

NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

Montana Technological University offers the next Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs the privilege of being part of a unique, student-focused academic community. To assure best consideration, applications should be received by November 7, 2019. The application should include a letter of interest (3 pages or fewer) addressing the applicant’s background in relationship to qualifications described; a résumé (or curriculum vitae); and the names of five professional references with each person’s position, office or home address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant. The new Provost/VCAA will be identified by January 2020.

The search is being assisted by James H. McCormick, jim.mccormick@agbsearch.com, 651-238-5188, and Janice S. Fitzgerald, janice.fitzgerald@agbsearch.com,  717-580-0663, AGB Search. Nominations and applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to montanatechprovost@agbsearch.com.  Additional University information may be found at www.mtech.edu/provost-search.

Montana Technological University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Technological University makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, Montana Technological University provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form located on the employment page and email to humanresources@mtech.edu.  You must include the job title of the position for which you are applying.

To request an accommodation, contact Cathy Isakson 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu.