Provost & Executive Vice President

Mississippi College invites applicants to seek the position of Provost and Executive Vice President. The University’s No. 2 leadership position encompasses broad responsibilities and duties to oversee the institution’s academic mission. Our vision is to pursue academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ.

Founded in 1826, Mississippi College, affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, is the state’s oldest institution of higher learning and its largest private university. Mississippi College is the nation’s second oldest Baptist college. In Fall 2018, Mississippi College ranked as one of the South’s premier regional universities. U.S. News & World Report rated Mississippi College as the 16th Best Value School among the South’s regional universities and 22nd best for both undergraduate teaching and military veterans.

Mississippi College enrolls 5,138 students including 3,242 undergraduates, and nearly 2,000 others in graduate programs. Graduate and professional schools include the School of Law in Jackson, the state’s first master’s degree in physician assistant studies, and more than 50 other exemplary graduate programs. The University continually seeks the highest standards, and many programs are accredited by external independent accrediting organizations. Mississippi College is in good standing with its regional accreditor and has been since its initial accreditation in 1922. Relatively new academic programs at the Christian university include electrical engineering and worship leadership along with a rapid growth in online learning such as the MBA. Comprising the core of Mississippi College are:  Schools of Business, Christian Studies and the Arts, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, Nursing, and Law.

Mississippi College’s steady growth in overall enrollment experienced dramatic increases since 3,200 students enrolled in 2002. The University’s global outreach extends to 200 international students from 30 nations, a London Semester, and a wide range of study abroad opportunities. The Mississippi College endowment exceeds $80.9 million.

Mississippi College is located in Clinton, MS, which is 15 miles west of Jackson, MS, the state’s capital. Clinton Public Schools are consistently rated as Mississippi’s top rated public school districts, with an A+ rating. Designated as a Mississippi Main Street City, a Mississippi Most Livable City and a Certified Retirement City, Clinton is a “family friendly” city with events and activities to encourage positive community experiences and relationships.

The links below provide more information about our University.

Duties of the position: The Provost and Executive Vice President will work closely with the President and the President’s Council consisting of deans, vice presidents and other key administrators. The University’s chief academic executive will bring vision, energy, and commitment to the advancement of programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. The executive will focus on pursuing the institution’s vision to achieve academic excellence with a commitment to the cause of Christ. Strengthening the faculty, knowledge of challenges facing American higher education, and strategies to enhance the institution’s national reputation are all paramount to the position at Mississippi College. The Provost and Executive Vice President leads and serves as the institution’s second in command. The academic leader will guide the institution with administrative skills, creativity, expertise, and coordination as the University builds its core mission. Emphasizing the personal, professional, and intellectual growth of the faculty, staff, and students are all essential to shaping Mississippi College for decades to come. The Provost will have the opportunity and responsibility to care for students and help them maximize their potential in a higher education setting.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D./terminal degree
  • Proven experience in academic leadership
  • Successful leadership skills
  • Exemplary communication skills
  • A proven track record in team building skills
  • Commitment to the vision and mission of Mississippi College
  • Creative approaches to changing aspects of higher education in the 21st Century

Confidential inquiries, nominations, referrals, applicant questions, and applicant materials should be directed to Dr. Debbie C. Norris at the address below. To apply for this position, submit a letter of interest, including answers to the following questions, and a detailed vitae/resume.

  1. Describe your Christian faith commitment. Share details about your faith journey, involvement with your local church, and participation in any faith-related organizations or ministries.
  2. Discuss your philosophy of Christian higher education and how it relates to the intellectual, spiritual, and social formation of students.
  3. How do you define and cultivate academic excellence at a private, non-profit, Christian University amidst the changing landscape of higher education in the 21st century?

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  The search will remain confidential until the finalist(s) are invited to campus.

Dr. Debbie C. Norris

Mississippi College

Vice President for Planning and Assessment

Chair, Provost Search Advisory Committee

MC Box 4029, Clinton, MS 39058

dcn@mc.edu

(601) 925-3260