Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (EVPAA)

Truman State University—Missouri’s only public liberal arts and sciences university—seeks a strategic, collaborative, and innovative academic leader to serve as its next Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (EVPAA). The University looks for a leader who combines a strong commitment to students and excellence with a positive, can-do attitude and sense of humor. This high-impact position is a key member of the University’s Executive Leadership Team and is integral to the University distinguishing its identity and controlling its destiny.

 

The Institution: A vibrant community of teacher-scholars engaged with an academically talented student body, Truman is a residential university providing its approximately 4,200 students with a distinctive blend of liberal arts and science programs across 52 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs. Truman is nationally recognized for the quality of educational opportunities that it offers and for its leadership in the assessment of student learning and continuous improvement. The institution is committed to a strong focus on high-impact learning experiences, and more than one-third of Truman’s undergraduates go on to pursue graduate education. Truman is consistently ranked among the nation’s best colleges. For 25 consecutive years, U.S. News and World Report has recognized Truman as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest Regional Category. Other accolades include Washington Monthly, which listed Truman as the No. 7 best master’s university in the nation and Fiske Guide to College magazine which ranked Truman as one of the top 10 public schools named as a “Best Buy” offering outstanding educational value. In addition to its commitment to excellence, the University promotes a welcoming culture that puts people first and supports students, faculty, and staff. More information about Truman State University can be found at www.truman.edu.

 

The Position: The Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (EVPAA) reports directly to the President and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. The EVPAA will provide leadership and forge strategic direction, working cooperatively with academic officers, faculty, and staff to achieve excellent academic outcomes and optimal stewardship of Truman’s resources. The role of the EVPAA may be understood in three different dimensions; first, serving the academic mission of the University; second, serving as an advisor to the president and as a member of the executive leadership team; and third, serving as an ambassador for the University’s academic program outside the institution. Principally, the EVPAA articulates the academic vision and direction of the University and heads the Office of Academic Affairs, which is responsible for all elements of Truman’s academic mission, including programs, personnel, outreach, student support, and retention. The EVPAA meets regularly with senior staff within the areas of academic affairs and works collaboratively with faculty governance to coordinate academic programs, policies, and procedures. In addition, the EVPAA works closely with the president and a team of senior administrators on a wide array of University issues and concerns. The EVPAA liaises with Truman’s Office of Advancement in cultivating donors for academic programs and pursuing grants and support from foundations and plays a critical role in connecting the academic programs and faculty members with the Office of Admission to recruit new students to the University.

 

Qualifications: The EVPAA will be an accomplished scholar and strategic thinker ready to lead the University’s academic enterprise. The EVPAA will work collaboratively with all campus constituents in support of the University’s mission and vision, including goals for inclusivity and diversity. They will have a history of significant administrative accomplishments in progressively responsible positions. Candidates must have demonstrated knowledge of and experience in higher education and academic programming, faculty development, curricula, accreditation and assessment issues, student learning needs, and good governance, especially in a liberal arts and sciences setting. The EVPAA will have experience in enacting and/or supporting interdisciplinary teaching and learning. They will have demonstrated experience in using data to make sound decisions and foster improvements. In addition, the EVPAA will have unquestioned integrity, exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, and a passion for educating students and preparing them for successful and productive lives. The ideal candidate will display a strong understanding of the transformative learning carried out in a liberal arts and sciences environment. The successful candidate must have earned tenure in an academic department and a terminal degree.

 

Location: Located in Kirksville, Truman plays a vital role in the thriving regional center of northeast Missouri. The campus spreads across 180 acres and is recognized as a Tree Campus USA School. The city enjoys a low crime rate, excellent schools, and a low cost of living. Within a few minutes drive, a broad range of outdoor recreational opportunities is easily accessible. Kirksville is connected to St. Louis (STL) by Cape Air (www.capeair.com). Amtrak operates the Southwest Chief on daily schedules from La Plata (13 miles from Kirksville) to Chicago, Kansas City, and points southwest to Los Angeles.  A. T. Still University maintains dental and medical schools in Kirksville. More information about Kirksville can be found at www.visitkirksville.com.

 

Application: Interested candidates should submit only a cover letter and resume to RPA Inc. at TrumanEVPAA@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please contact Amanda O’Donnell, Vice President and Senior Consultant at the email address above. To receive priority consideration, applications must be received by October 27, 2022. First-round interviews will commence thereafter.

 

Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Truman State does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its program or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.