Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Shawnee State University in its search for a Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA/Provost). The University seeks an accomplished, student-centered, strategic leader with a commitment to academic excellence.

Shawnee State University seeks a results-focused leader with a vision for the future of Shawnee State University and the ability to lead faculty and staff in establishing and achieving common goals. A solid record of innovative program development including online programs is required for success. This position requires a highly involved leader actively engaged across campus and dedicated to serving and supporting an underserved student population. Strong financial acumen and the ability to balance operational and financial requirements effectively are crucial.

The successful candidate has demonstrated success in assessment and accreditation as well as enrollment and retention.

An initiator of change, the successful candidate is an advocate who understands and provides the strategic direction necessary to meet the evolving needs of a higher education institution in today’s competitive landscape. The University desires a strong communicator capable of balancing the needs of the President while advocating for faculty, staff, and students.

The Provost and Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs is the chief academic officer of Shawnee State University and reports directly to the President. The VPASA/Provost provides leadership, central administration and supervision for all academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Professional Studies, and University College, and for all services/programs provided through the Office of Student Affairs. Additional direct oversight includes: Library and Media Services, Teaching and Learning Center, Women’s Gender and Equity Center, Center for International Programs and Study Abroad, Counseling and Health, Honors Program, Planetarium, Academic Assessment, and General Education Program.

The VPASA/Provost serves on the President’s Executive Staff and is the designated chief operational officer in the President’s absence. The incumbent actively participates in the development of university plans, goals, and objectives and serves on various university, community, and statewide committees to represent the interests of SSU.

Responsibilities:

1. Serves as the chief academic and student affairs officer.
   1. Serves as a steward for the academic integrity and mission of the university.
   2. Holds administrative responsibility for all academic programs and support services.
   3. Provides leadership for assessing student learning outcomes, including testing of incoming and exiting students and long-term studies of student outcomes for alumni and employers.
   4. Works collaboratively to ensure development and ongoing evaluation of the university’s degree and non-degree programs and curriculum.
   5. Serves as chief of staff for the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees.
   6. Serves actively on university, community, and statewide committees to represent the interests of SSU.
   7. Serves as the appeals officer for the Dean of Students’ conduct cases and applicable Title IX decisions.

2. Provides managerial leadership of the division’s priorities, staff, and budget.
   1. Provides overall management for the academic and student affairs division.
   2. Prepares, administers, and is responsible for operating an efficient, effective, and balanced academic and student affairs budget.
   3. Provides leadership in academic and student affairs planning including the assessment of staff and adequacy of equipment and facilities necessary to implement those plans.
   4. Assures the implementation of faculty development with emphasis on quality teaching, scholarship, and university/community service.
   5. Administers and interprets the labor agreements between the university and the faculty and staff.
   6. Oversees university-wide accreditation activities.
   7. Develops and maintains collaborative relationship among academic affairs, student affairs, finance and administration, advancement and institutional relations, university development foundation, and regional schools and organizations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE):

1. Doctorate from a regionally accredited university.
2. No less than five years of progressively responsible and successful academic leadership experiences.
3. Earned rank of professor at regionally accredited college or university

MINIMUM JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Proven record of academic program development and assessment of student learning outcomes.
2. Well-developed record of scholarship, accomplishments in undergraduate/graduate teaching, and university/community service.
3. Knowledge of current issues and trends in student affairs, especially technological developments, community education, development and implementation of academic support programs, accreditation standards, student conduct best practices, and Title IX.
4. Strong understanding of the functions of academic and student affairs as they relate to the university’s mission, including a thorough understanding of the role of liberal arts in higher education.
5. Demonstrated commitment to promoting and supporting the highest standards for student-centered living and learning programs.
6. Experience fostering a climate of intellectual diversity, debate, and inquiry among staff and students.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
8. Effective budget management skills.
9. Ability to analyze complex issues, manage multiple priorities and projects, demonstrate innovative problem solving, and proactively address higher education issues.
10. Proven transparent, inclusive, and data-informed decision-making.
11. Demonstrated success in protecting diversity and equal employment opportunities and obligations.
12. Experience with and appreciation of shared governance.
13. Administrative experience in managing graduate and undergraduate programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Substantial academic curriculum and program development experience.
2. Outstanding public speaking and writing skills that result in clear communications and concise reports.
3. Experience with multiple modes, including online, of academic program and curriculum delivery.
4. Experience with faculty and staff collective bargaining agreements.
5. Experience working within open enrollment institutions.
6. Experience leading a student affairs division.

About Shawnee State University:

Shawnee State University (SSU) is a young, successful four-year, coeducational, public university established in 1986 and located in the city of Portsmouth near the Ohio River. With a faculty-student ratio of 15:1, the open-admissions university ensures student success through high levels of personal attention and a commitment to academic excellence. Shawnee State is the second least expensive of Ohio's 13 state universities.

Shawnee State University offers 76 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 47 majors within 17 broad fields of study. Across all fields of study, Shawnee State University awarded 714 undergraduate degrees in 2017 - 2018.

Living in the Area:

Portsmouth located in Scioto County is a picturesque community located at the union of the Scioto and Ohio Rivers in South Central Ohio. With a population of 20,343, the community boasts home prices well below the national average, low property taxes and a very affordable cost of living.

Once a thriving river port and steel town, Portsmouth is revitalizing its economy through technological advances, improved educational opportunities and tourism. State-of-the-art companies are starting to find a home in the rural setting and local companies are expanding.

The rich quality of life present in south central Ohio makes it an attractive place to work, live and raise a family. From the breath-taking Floodwall Murals, and Portsmouth Floodwall Mural

to Shawnee State Forest, there are many tourist attractions within the county. The hills, valleys and rolling plains are offer an abundance of natural resources for relaxation and recreation. For the outdoor enthusiast, Shawnee State Forest, Ohio’s largest state forest brings over 88,000 acres of hiking, camping, lodges, swimming, boating, fishing water sports and extensive hiking trails. There are no shortage of local amenities with many restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

Applications:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and CV. Please do not email applications.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are treated confidentially and can be sent to Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner at Academic Career & Executive Search at Jennifer@acesrch.com.
 

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer:

Shawnee State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against any individual because of race, color, genetic information, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status or military status.