PROVOST AND VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN COLLEGES

THE SEARCH FOR A PROVOST AND VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

The University of Wisconsin (UW) Colleges seeks an innovative, enterprising and strategic Provost and Vice Chancellor to provide academic leadership to a dynamic multi-campus institution serving over 10,000 students with high quality liberal arts general education instruction and an array of groundbreaking pathways toward the completion of a baccalaureate degree. The Provost reports to the Chancellor of the UW Colleges and UW-Extension and serves as the chief academic officer of the UW Colleges, which is one unit of the University of Wisconsin System. A member of the Chancellor's cabinet, the Provost leads the Office of Academic Affairs and has broad responsibilities for the academic and student success of UW Colleges.

The search begins as UW Colleges is in the process of implementing a new regional leadership structure, advancing its bachelor's completion degree, preparing for UW Colleges Online to gain campus status, expanding its reach to an increasing number of international students, and undertaking a number of curricular and program innovations. These initiatives, prompted in part by the competitive enrollment and resource environment in higher education, reflect UW Colleges' capacity for change and responsiveness to the needs of the students and communities it serves. The new Provost will arrive at a pivotal juncture to help UW Colleges shape and communicate its distinctive identity and compelling academic vision. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and strategic academic leader to join a strong senior leadership team and work collaboratively with an engaged faculty, instructional academic staff and student community.

The UW Colleges provides students of all ages and backgrounds the world-class education of the University of Wisconsin closer to home. Through 13 campuses located throughout the state, the virtual campus of UW Colleges Online and a central administrative office located in Madison, the UW Colleges provide freshman-sophomore liberal arts transfer credit instruction, an exceptional record of transferring and completing baccalaureate degrees and a bachelor degree completion program. Through the personal involvement offered by faculty and staff who are committed to helping students select their best pathway to complete their college degree and launch their careers, the UW Colleges serves more part-time, adult undergraduates and first-generation college students than any other institution in the UW System. The accomplished faculty and instructional staff of UW Colleges are engaged and committed to offering students a high quality, affordable and relevant education in a supportive and welcoming learning environment.

The Provost has broad and comprehensive responsibilities for the academic and student success of UW Colleges. Reporting to the Chancellor of the UW Colleges and UW-Extension, the Provost is a central member of the Chancellor's Cabinet based in Madison, Wisconsin and represents the UW Colleges in meetings of Vice Chancellors of the UW System. The Provost fosters collaboration with faculty, staff, students and external communities to promote student success through research, use of best practices, evaluation, continuous improvement, shared governance and student success strategies. As chief academic officer, the Provost will be expected to utilize strategic academic planning, develop academic policy, manage fiscal affairs for the academic enterprise and advocate for faculty and student rights and responsibilities. The Provost directs the Office of Academic Affairs, which is responsible for achieving excellence in instruction, curriculum and the academic environment. Overseeing a budget of over $10 million, the Provost provides leadership to over 80 full-time equivalent positions involved in advancing the academic programs of the UW Colleges across the state.

UW Colleges' next Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs must possess an academic record sufficient to achieve tenure in one of UW Colleges' academic departments, which includes excellence in teaching, a history of professional development and most often a terminal degree. A record of successful and progressive leadership and administration in higher education is also required.

The ideal candidate for this position should be a person who values the importance of liberal and general education, fully embraces the UW Colleges access mission and demonstrates a commitment to multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. In addition, this academic leader should recognize the need for relevant and broad education that connects to regional and community workforce needs and has the capacity to be a visible participant in regional partnerships. The next Provost will be able to demonstrate a successful track record of leading curricular and teaching innovation, working collaboratively with student affairs and enrollment management functions and advancing inclusive planning processes with respect for shared governance.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the UW College Search Profile for a full description of the qualifications and desired attributes for the next Provost/Vice Chancellor and for additional information about opportunities for leadership at: www.uwc.edu/provost or www.agbsearch.com

The appointment of a new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is anticipated in June 2017 with a preferred start date of August 1, 2017. Although nominations and applications will be accepted until the appointment is made, candidates should submit materials by April 10, 2017, for full consideration by the Search and Screen Committee.

The application should include: 1) a letter of interest specifically addressing the applicant's background in relationship to qualifications and leadership opportunities described in the search profile (not more than three pages); 2) a current resume; and 3) 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 the express permission of the candidate. AGB Search has been retained to assist the search. Nominations and application should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to uwcprovost@agbsearch.com

Confidential inquiries, nominations and referrals may be sent to Ms. Judith B. Ward, jbw@agbsearch.com (202) 215-8519. Ms. Ward invites nominees and prospective candidates to contact her via email to discuss this opportunity prior to submitting their application. Under Wisconsin State Law the names of finalists must be made public. However, at the time of their application, a candidate may request confidentiality and this will be honored until the final stage of the search process.

The UW Colleges in an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages women, members of minority groups, persons with disabilities, and veterans to apply.