Provost and Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Buffkin / Baker•Fayetteville, NC

About The Position

Fayetteville State University, located in Fayetteville, NC and a constituent institution of the prestigious University of North Carolina system, is seeking an innovative, visionary, strategic, and entrepreneurial – minded educator and researcher to serve as the Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. About Fayetteville State University Founded in 1867, Fayetteville State University (FSU; University) is a public, comprehensive, historically Black university, and is the second oldest state assisted institution in North Carolina. Since 1972, FSU has been one of 17 institutions within the broader UNC System. Situated on a scenic campus of more 156 acres, FSU serves a diverse student population and is known for its strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and social mobility. FSU offers robust and innovative degree programs rooted in the liberal arts tradition. The university advances knowledge through the integration of teaching, learning, research, and public service. FSU strives to meet the educational, career, and personal aspirations of its students from rural, military, and other diverse backgrounds so that they are equipped with academic and practical knowledge to serve local, state, national, and global communities as enlightened citizens, globally astute leaders, and engaged solution creators. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs through its colleges and schools, including programs in business, education, social work, nursing, psychology, criminal justice, intelligence studies, and the sciences. FSU has many nationally ranked academic programs, including the school of nursing and online MBA. In addition to exceptional pre-professional programs, FSU has a proud tradition in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. FSU also touts phenomenal Army and Air Force ROTC programs that annually develop students into nationally ranked cadets, prepared to lead successfully in the US military. FSU emphasizes small class sizes, personalized instruction, and faculty mentorship. Students benefit from research opportunities, internships, leadership development, and community service initiatives that prepare them for professional success and civic responsibility. The University also provides flexible learning options, including online and hybrid programs designed to meet the needs of working adults and non-traditional students. Campus life at FSU is vibrant and student-centered, featuring numerous student organizations, Greek life, cultural events, and NCAA Division II athletics. The Broncos compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). With a strong legacy rooted in access and empowerment, Fayetteville State University continues to advance its mission of transforming lives through education, innovation, and service. Fayetteville State University, a Historically Black College and University and the second oldest public university in North Carolina, offers robust and innovative bachelor’s and master’s degree programs rooted in the liberal arts tradition as well as the Doctor of Education. The university advances knowledge through the integration of teaching, learning, research and public service. FSU strives to meet the educational, career and personal aspirations of its traditional and non-traditional students from rural, military and other diverse backgrounds so that they are equipped with academic and practical knowledge to serve local, state, national and global communities as enlightened citizens, globally astute leaders and engaged solution creators. We accomplish our mission through: A rigorous academic environment A student-centered education Dedicated staff and scholarly faculty Specialized offerings and services to meet the needs of traditional, online, non-traditional, and military affiliated students Faculty and student engagement and partnerships with industry, employers, alumni and the community Fayetteville State University, the second oldest public university in North Carolina and a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System, will be the regional university of choice for students from rural, military, and other diverse backgrounds who are poised to become visionary leaders who transform communities, states and nations.

Requirements

Innovative, visionary, strategic, and entrepreneurial – minded educator and researcher.
Excellent leadership and communication skills.
Terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) from an accredited institution, with academic qualifications meriting appointment at the rank of full professor at Fayetteville State University.
Demonstrated success as an academic leader within a public higher education environment.
Progressive administrative experience involving supervision of academic programs, academic support units, faculty, and professional staff.
Knowledge of regional accreditation standards, particularly SACSCOC principles of accreditation, substantive change procedures, and compliance requirements affecting academic affairs.
Ability to lead within a shared governance environment, fostering collaborative relationships with faculty senates, deans, departmental leaders, and campus governance bodies.
Strong fiscal management experience, including oversight of academic budgets, strategic resource allocation, and efficient utilization of state, federal, and external funds.

Nice To Haves

Preference given to candidates with academic leadership experience at a Carnegie R1 or R2 institution.

Responsibilities

Provide forward-looking vision and direction for all academic programs, academic support units, and centers of excellence spanning undergraduate, graduate, and professional education.
Lead comprehensive University academic planning to ensure full alignment with institutional priorities, accreditation standards, and the performance metrics outlined in the UNC System Strategic Plan, including student success, degree efficiency, research productivity, and workforce alignment.
Champion a culture of academic rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement that leverages data to strengthen outcomes across all academic units and supports measurable progress toward System-wide goals.
Advance interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage faculty-driven innovation by integrating emerging pedagogies, digital learning strategies, and evidence-based teaching practices that reinforce UNC System expectations for quality, access, and student achievement.
Oversee faculty recruitment, appointment, reappointment, promotion, tenure, and post-tenure review; uphold academic standards and support faculty excellence.
Strengthen faculty development, mentorship programs, and opportunities for scholarly, creative, and research engagement.
Support policies and initiatives that support faculty well-being, and retention.
Work in alignment with the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success, to help ensure academic policies and structures promote access, retention, persistence, degree completion, and equitable outcomes for all students.
Reinforce the strategies set out by the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success to support student success initiatives, including advising, tutoring, academic coaching, enrollment management, and other academic support services.
Oversee the Library Services.
Manage academic budgets, allocate resources strategically, and ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Advocate for academic resources and guide data-driven decisions that improve academic operations.
Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships, and grants to support academic innovation and growth.
Support and expand research, grant activity, sponsored programs, and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Champion efforts to increase faculty and student research, community-engaged scholarship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Represent Academic Affairs to internal and external constituents, including donors, policymakers, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Develop partnerships that enhance academic programs, experiential learning, workforce development, and global engagement.
Serve on boards, committees, and advisory groups that advance FSU’s mission and strategic priorities.