SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
PROVOST/VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
Southwest Minnesota State University seeks an accomplished and enthusiastic academic leader to define the
academic future of the institution, advance academic excellence and distinctiveness, champion student learning
and success, and develop meaningful partnerships and engagements.
The Position Summary
Reporting to the President, the Provost serves as the chief academic and student affairs officer and, as such,
provides leadership for the planning and administration of all academic and student affairs programs, personnel,
and services; the development of sound academic programs and faculty scholarship; and the oversight of all
educational policies. The Provost directs the activities of the Dean of Students/Associate Vice President for
Student Affairs; Dean of Arts, Letters, and Sciences; Dean of Business, Education, and Professional Studies; Chief
Information Officer; and Director of Institutional Research.
The Primary Responsibilities

Provide the leadership and coordinating force for developing the short and long-range educational goals
and objectives of the institution, identify and develop the educational staff and operational units
required to successfully attain those goals and objectives, and achieve and maintain high-quality
educational programs.

Inspire and promote the planning of future academic programs, recommend the allocation of resources
required to implement approved programs, and develop and operate a plan for the continuous
evaluation of academic programs and teaching effectiveness.

Implement human resource policy and procedure related to the appointment, evaluation, promotion,
salary, tenure, hiring, and termination of faculty and educational staff members, as well as the
application of collective bargaining agreement provisions pertaining to those employees.

Prepare and coordinate the annual budget for education and general expenses, including instruction and
research, for presentation to the President.

Administer all aspects of information technology for the University including academic and
administrative computing, network services, user support, intra and internet services,
telecommunications, and computer services.

Review, in collaboration with the Deans, the educational offerings and activities of the various academic
departments in order to identify any unnecessary duplication of courses or programs, and review the
quality of instruction and academic counseling and guidance of students.

Lead the formulation of policy in such matters as strategic planning, academic standards, instructional
technology, and oversee all accreditation activities.

Promote equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, diversity, inclusion, and global awareness.
The Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a commitment to the role of a public, regional university in the liberal arts
tradition that includes professional degree programs, as well as an understanding of the centrality of teaching
and scholarship in the educational process. A clear appreciation of shared governance in the University’s
decision making processes that are consistent with the goals and expectations of the contractual agreements.
The ability to articulate and inspire a shared commitment to the University’s mission; identify creative strategies
to achieve that mission; and develop a broad array of regional and national initiatives in teaching, scholarship,
and engagement.
Key Qualifications, Core Knowledge, Skills, Background, and Personal Characteristics:

Earned doctorate with faculty rank and tenure.

Proven record of academic leadership and scholarly accomplishment.

Evidence of strong student-centered philosophy and practice.

Successful track record of increasingly responsible administrative experience in academic affairs.

Ability to provide effective leadership in a university operating within a collective bargaining model.

Competence in financial management and planning.

Commitment to student growth and development; faculty and staff development; and affirmative
action, diversity, and inclusion.

Experience in fundraising and facilitating faculty and staff grant development.

Sophisticated inter-personal skills and sensitivities with the ability to communicate ideas and
information clearly, fairly, concisely, and effectively in written and oral form and in formal and informal
settings.

Personal style characterized by integrity, candor, and sense of humor.
The University
Established in 1963 to meet the higher education needs of Southwest Minnesota, the University is the youngest
of the four-year institutions within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The fifth largest higher
education system of its kind in the United States, the System includes seven state universities and 24 two-year
technical colleges. Southwest Minnesota State University has enjoyed consistent growth over the past decade;
its academic, social, and cultural programs are flourishing; and the campus continues to grow. Aligning with the
needs, resources, and expertise of the region, the institution offers a portfolio of broad and diverse educational
opportunities, ranging from programs guided by a liberal arts tradition and complimented with a purposeful
selection of professional and graduate programs.
The University offers 50 undergraduate degree programs, 16 pre-professional programs, and four Master’s
degree programs in two colleges: the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences and the College of Business,
Education, and Professional Studies. Over 200 outstanding instructional faculty provide instruction and support,
with eighty-four percent holding the highest degree in their field, and, although committed primarily to
undergraduate teaching, also engage in research and scholarship. Their research often leads to additional
opportunities for undergraduate students - opportunities typically only available to graduate students at many
other universities. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges
and Schools, the University recently completed its 10-year site visit.
The student population includes over 2,400 undergraduate and 450 graduate students. Eighty-two percent of
students are Minnesota residents. With approximately 14 percent students of color and/or international
students, the student body includes students from 27 states and 19 countries, a significant number being firstgeneration college attendees. A majority of the 840 residential students are traditional-age students who enter
the University directly from high school. Mustang athletic teams have a proud tradition of success with 50
Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championships. Men and women compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports
with plans moving forward for a men’s and women’s track and field team.
For additional information, please visit the University’s website at http://www.smsu.edu
The Location
Marshall, Minnesota, with a population of 14,000, has been named one of America’s finest small cities.
Southwest Minnesota is one of the fastest growing regions in rural Minnesota. Less than three hours from
Minneapolis, Marshall offers a growing and balanced local economy featuring manufacturing, healthcare,
education, service, and retail. The region features a quality of life and access to broadband infrastructure that
few micropolitan communities can equal.
The Invitation
For a Confidential Conversation or To Make a Nomination
The University is pleased to partner with the search firm Strategic Search Advantage. To arrange a confidential
conversation, provide a nomination, or offer advice and counsel, please contact Gary Rhoads, search consultant,
via email at grhoads@strategicsearchadvantage.com or via phone at 570-484-6414.
To Apply
To apply for this opportunity, please submit a complete CV with a letter of application summarizing your
professional qualifications that reflect the skills, background, and experience to be successful in this key
position. Application materials should be sent to Gary at grhoads@strategicsearchadvantage.com by January 30,
2015.
Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and
is an equal opportunity educator and employer. The University is committed to affirmative recruitment and
encourages applications from women, persons of color, and persons with disabilities.