Provost

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Fitchburg State University seeks nominations for, and expressions of interest in the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs.

A public comprehensive institution with a strong and proud tradition of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service, the university is situated on a 60-acre traditional New England campus in North Central Massachusetts, 40 miles west of Boston. Fitchburg State offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and professional fields to more than 6,000 students annually, including approximately 3,000 graduate students, and is home to 191 full time faculty members. The university is one of 29 institutions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ system of public higher education. Fitchburg State fosters an equitable society by working toward the principle of education justice and being a student-ready campus. Fitchburg State has a long tradition of serving underrepresented populations; many of these students are Pell-eligible, and a large percentage are first-generation college students.

Founded as a teachers’ college in 1894, Fitchburg State has developed into a highly-regarded university that blends liberal arts and sciences and professional programs within a “small college” environment. The university prepares students to lead and succeed by fostering lifelong learning and civic responsibility. A Fitchburg State education extends beyond the classroom to include residential, professional, and co-curricular opportunities, with particular emphasis on internships. The university provides leadership and support for the economic, social, and cultural needs of North Central Massachusetts and beyond. More information about Fitchburg State may be found at www.fitchburgstate.edu. 

The next provost must be an effective academic leader who is skillful in building consensus, fostering a collegial environment and promoting the strategic vision of the university. The provost will be expected to help drive achievement of the university’s goals defined by the strategic plan and enhance Fitchburg State University’s stature as a student and learning-centered institution committed to excellence in all fields of scholarly endeavor. The provost will provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction to all academic departments, as well as the library, School of Graduate Online and Continuing Education, distance learning, registrar, international education, student success, institutional research and planning and other academic units.

Reporting to the President and working in close partnership with the Vice Presidents, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Deans and the academic affairs leadership team, the provost will foster a culture committed to the principles of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Provost will also secure resources and community support and optimize policies, systems, and programs aligned with institutional priorities. 

 The next provost will demonstrate a record of teaching excellence and scholarly achievement complemented by significant administrative experience, preferably at the dean level or higher. The candidate should exhibit a commitment to public higher education with a background that includes a balanced emphasis on instruction, research and service and a sophisticated understanding of contemporary academic and administrative functions, processes, and technology. The community expects its next provost to demonstrate evidence of alignment with the university's values of equity, inclusion and diversity. A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline is required. Experience working in a collective bargaining environment is highly preferred. Candidates must demonstrate outstanding oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, a high degree of energy, initiative, and organization, and demonstrated leadership skills that foster cooperation and respect within a diverse faculty, staff and student population.

Confidential nominations and inquiries should be sent to Lucy Leske and Randi Miller, the WittKieffer consultants assisting Fitchburg State with this search, at ProvostFitchburg@wittkieffer.com. Credential review begins on January 31, 2022. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer's candidate portal and include a curriculum vitae and a letter addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements.

Fitchburg State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged.