PROVOST

Seattle University (SU or Seattle U), a highly selective, independent, Catholic, Jesuit institution is seeking a dynamic, creative, collaborative, compassionate, forward thinking and innovative leader to be its champion for academic excellence and ensure that all members of the Seattle University community experience a challenging and rewarding learning environment. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative leader to position Seattle University as a model for how a university deeply rooted in its mission can respond and thrive in a complex environment, teach and reach a highly diverse population of students, and strongly connect with and serve society.

Founded in 1891, Seattle University has matured from a small parish school to one of the premier independent universities in the Pacific Northwest. Ranked as one of the nation’s leading institutions for undergraduate education by The Princeton Review, and one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, Seattle University has nine academic divisions: Albers School of Business; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Education; College of Nursing; College of Science and Engineering; Matteo Ricci College; School of Law; School of New and Continuing Studies; and School of Theology and Ministry. Offering 64 undergraduate programs, more than 31 graduate programs and 28 certificate programs, Seattle University encourages students to find their passions, test their limits, and in the words of St. Ignatius, dare forth to create a better world.

Dedicated to educating the whole person to professional formation and empowering leaders for a just and humane world, Seattle University encourages its students to grow academically, personally and spiritually, test their values, develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and their community, and learn about making ethical choices in their lives. Seattle University students learn to balance self-reliance with interdependence, knowledge with spirituality, and mind with heart. Seattle University’s highly dedicated faculty and staff guide students in these pursuits. Its 758 faculty members engage in teaching, research, and service with a clear focus on academic excellence, justice, leadership, and diversity. Emphasizing the student experience of learning in all of its forms – in the classroom, on campus and around the world – Seattle University offers students a unique laboratory for learning. The next Provost will ensure that students continue to receive an unparalleled education.

As the Chief Academic Officer, the Provost is a champion for academic excellence and ensures that all graduate and undergraduate students at Seattle University experience a challenging and rewarding education consistent with the mission of Seattle University. Reporting to the President, the Provost is responsible for academic planning and budgeting; recruitment and development of deans; providing support to the teaching, research, and service activities of the faculty; engaging faculty in shared governance; program development and promotion; and recruitment of a talented and diverse student body. The Provost’s direct reports include the deans of the nine schools and colleges, the University Librarian, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Vice Provost, and the three Associate Provosts. The scope of the role includes managing an operating budget of over $190M.

In order to be successful, the Provost will be asked to address a set of key opportunities, including:

    • Continue Seattle University’s trajectory toward academic excellence.

    • Promote a challenging, inspiring and transformational learning environment for all students. 

    • Ensure an outstanding and engaging Jesuit-based academic experience for the university community as a whole.

    • Drive a vision for sustainable growth that leverages technological innovation.

    • Advance inclusive excellence and diversity in every aspect of academic affairs.

    • Work collaboratively with faculty, deans and members of the President’s Cabinet with a commitment to shared governance.

    • Increase Seattle University’s presence in, its relevance to, and partnerships with the thriving city of Seattle.

Seattle University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Review of confidential nominations and applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For more details, including the full position profile and to submit inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications, please see the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: www.imsearch.com/5856. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Julie Filizetti, Sheila Bharucha, and Nate Brewer

Isaacson, Miller

1000 Sansome Street, Suite 300

San Francisco, CA 94111

Phone: 415.655.4900

Fax: 415.655.4905

Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment related policies and practices. In addition, the University does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information in its employment related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program.