Search Profile: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Candidate Expectations

Southeast Missouri State University, a dynamic and competitive regional public comprehensive institution located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, invites nominations and applications for the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (“Provost”). The Provost is the chief academic officer of the University, providing executive leadership, direction, and evaluation for the institution’s academic enterprise.

Role

• Reporting to the University President, the Provost oversees colleges, schools, offices, and operations including:
  • Holland College of Arts and Media;
  • Harrison College of Business and Computing;
  • College of Education, Health, and Human Studies;
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences;
  • College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics;
  • Graduate Studies;
  • Kent Library;
  • Center for Teaching and Learning;
  • Jane Stephens Honors Program;
  • Institutional Research;
  • Regional campuses;
  • Academic Advising;
  • Center for Writing Excellence and Learning Assistance Programs; and
  • Program review, approval, and accreditation.
• Ensure academic staff have active and expanding relationships with external stakeholders, including but not limited to partnerships with government, industry, regional education institutions, and robust engagement with University Advancement.
• Develop and implement a strategic academic vision, authorize faculty hiring, recommend promotion and tenure decisions to the University President, facilitate and evaluate major academic initiatives, oversee academic budgets, oversee academic councils and committees, and ensure high academic quality and outcomes.
• Provide executive leadership and institutional support for regional and specialized accreditation, academic compliance, assessment, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the University President’s first delegate, ensuring the continuity and quality of ongoing operations in his absence.
• Partner with members of the President’s Cabinet to develop programs and initiatives that enhance student recruitment, retention, and success, and promote the overall mission, vision, and strategic plan for the university.
• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, development opportunities, and other training.
• Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned by the University President.

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree from an accredited institution with a record of achievement as a university teacher and scholar.
• A demonstrated history as an accomplished and experienced leader overseeing a complex academic enterprise, specifically related to academic program planning, and financial and personnel management.
• Demonstrated success in data-informed decision-making, transparent communication, leading organizational change, and establishing academic priorities that align resources with institutional mission, student success, and long-term sustainability.
• Demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, effective teaching and learning, and continuous improvement in student success and outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience supporting institutional and specialized accreditation, academic assessment, and continuous improvement processes.
• Success in identifying, building, and leveraging external partnerships to yield outcomes aligned with the University’s strategic plan.
• Qualifications necessary for appointment as a tenured full professor in one of the University’s academic departments.
• Commitment to collegial, consultative processes and shared governance.
• Experience at a regional public comprehensive university is a plus.

Candidate Nominations and Applications

The Provost Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate is expected to begin work on-site at the University no later than February 2027.  To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received by October 13, 2026, and must include: 

1. A letter of interest addressing the required qualifications 
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Names, e-mails, and phone number of five professional references including their relationship to the candidate

Applications and nominations are to be submitted in confidence to the search committee, at provostsearch@semo.edu.

Southeast Missouri State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Estimated Timeline for Search