Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

University of Arkansas System•Fort Smith, AR

10d•$210,000 - $225,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution. As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary. Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities. Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied. The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is the University’s chief academic officer and provides strategic leadership for all academic programs, faculty, and academic support units. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the Provost is responsible for advancing academic excellence, strengthening student success, fostering faculty development, supporting shared governance, and ensuring the long-term academic vitality of the institution. The Provost works collaboratively with faculty, deans, academic leaders, and senior administrators to translate institutional priorities into effective academic policies, programs, and outcomes. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to lead complex organizations, manage resources strategically, and guide the institution through change while maintaining a strong commitment to academic freedom and institutional mission.

Requirements

Earned terminal degree from an accredited institution.
Academic credentials appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor or equivalent.
Record of successful teaching in higher education.
Distinguished record of scholarly publications and/or creative accomplishments.
Progressive academic leadership experience in higher education, with increasing levels of responsibility.
Demonstrated commitment to student success and academic excellence.
Experience supervising teams and managing complex academic budgets.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving as a provost, vice/associate provost, or equivalent senior academic leadership role.
Demonstrated success in accreditation leadership and academic program review.
Experience leading academic planning and change initiatives in a public university environment.
Strong communication, consensus-building, and decision-making skills.
Experience supporting online, hybrid, or innovative instructional models.

Responsibilities

Academic Leadership and Strategy Serve as the chief academic officer of the University, providing vision, leadership, and oversight for all academic programs, colleges, schools, and academic support units within the Division of Academic Affairs. Work with the Chancellor, deans, faculty leadership and enrollment management to establish and advance institutional academic priorities, goals, and initiatives aligned with the University’s mission and strategic plan Lead university-wide academic planning, including program development, review, modification, and discontinuation.
Faculty Leadership and Development Promote faculty excellence through leadership in faculty recruitment, evaluation, development, and recognition. Oversee faculty promotion processes and provide recommendations to the Chancellor. Support professional development opportunities that enhance teaching effectiveness, scholarly productivity, and academic leadership. Promote, protect, and sustain shared governance and academic freedom in collaboration with faculty leadership bodies.
Student Success and Academic Quality Provide leadership for initiatives that support student learning, retention, progression, and timely graduation. Oversee curriculum quality, academic standards, assessment of student learning outcomes, and continuous improvement of academic programs. Collaborate with student affairs, enrollment management, advising, and other units to support a cohesive student academic experience.
Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Strengthen and expand the University’s culture of research, scholarship, and creative activity. Support faculty research productivity, external funding efforts, and scholarly dissemination. Ensure appropriate infrastructure and policies are in place to support academic inquiry and innovation.
Accreditation and Compliance Ensure continuous accreditation of the University and its academic programs. Serve as the University’s primary liaison to the University of Arkansas System, the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, the Higher Learning Commission, and other relevant university accrediting and regulatory bodies. Ensure compliance with academic policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Budget, Resources, and Operations Provide leadership for the academic budget, including planning, allocation, and effective stewardship of resources. Oversee the business and administrative functions of the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Identify opportunities to enhance academic effectiveness through data-informed decision-making and responsible resource management. Collaborate with senior leadership and academic deans to identify and develop new revenue sources and strengthen existing revenue streams.
External Relations and Institutional Representation Actively represent the University in community, regional, and system-level activities related to academic affairs. Prepare and present academic reports and initiatives to the Board of Visitors and other governing bodies. Participate in fundraising, donor engagement, and external partnerships that advance academic priorities.
Supervision and Leadership Supervise and evaluate direct reports, including academic deans and other senior academic leaders. Lead university-wide committees and task forces as assigned. Serve as the University’s chief academic representative in the absence of the Chancellor, as directed.

Benefits

university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
tuition waivers for employees and their families
12 official holidays
immediate leave accrual
a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary

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