Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Position Type
Faculty
Faculty Track
Tenured
Employment Status
Full Time
Months
12
Campus
Both ME Campuses
Description
The University of New England (UNE) is seeking a collaborative, visionary, and dynamic Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs to join a highly innovative university at an exciting time. Reporting to the President, the Provost is the chief academic officer of UNE and is responsible for all aspects of the University's academic mission. Internally, the Provost provides academic leadership for the University of New England's two campuses located in Portland, Maine and Biddeford, Maine, and oversees the University's six colleges (College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Dental Medicine, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Professional Studies, and the College of Business). The deans of the Honors College and the Library also report to the Provost. Externally, the Provost's Office serves as a communication link with external constituencies, including the Board of Trustees, multiple accrediting agencies, and other key partners.
The Provost will be an accomplished scholar who possesses an earned terminal degree and credentials warranting the rank of professor in one of the University's academic departments. The next Provost will also have an established record of success in academic administration and a visionary leadership style that is engaging and collaborative. The Provost will have exemplary interpersonal emotional intelligence, communication skills, a demonstrated commitment to supporting a multi-campus community, and an appreciation of the national conversations around the opportunities and challenges facing higher education today. Working closely with the President, the Provost plays a key role in developing and implementing UNE's Strategic Plan, including oversight of scholarship and research activities. The Provost will also build upon the strengths of the colleges, centers of excellence, and other academic units to advance UNE's reputation for academic excellence, scholarship, and service to the greater community. Working closely with the President and SVP of Finance and Administration, the Provost coordinates the work of all academic units with other offices and operations across the University.
The Provost will join UNE during a time of strong undergraduate enrollment and a period of investment optimally positioned for creativity, innovation, and aspirational thinking. The Provost will be a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader with a strong commitment to excellence in higher education, demonstrated administrative skills in leading a complex organization, and the ability to work with a broad array of campus leaders to guide the institution to the next level of distinction. The Provost must have a record demonstrating commitment to maintaining a robust system of shared governance and to advancing transparency and trust across campus. An appreciation for the integral role of UNE in the Portland and Biddeford communities, a willingness to continue developing national and international connections, and, in collaboration with the President, the capacity to attract financial support from the public and private sectors, will be essential. As the chief academic officer of the University to a wide variety of constituencies, the Provost must have an excellent grasp of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and the ability to connect and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and groups to achieve collective success. The Provost must also be a decisive leader who embodies integrity, is responsive, collaborative, and creative, and is dedicated to the success and wellbeing of all students.
NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONSThe University of New England has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward at the executive search firm Korn Ferry. To apply for the position, candidates should submit an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as well as a brief letter of interest (2-4 pages) describing why you are interested in becoming the next Provost at UNE, why you would be successful based on your professional experience, and why now is a good time for you to consider this opportunity. For priority consideration, please submit all application materials by November 30, 2026. For a copy of the full-length position description, or to submit your curriculum vitae and letter of interest (as separate PDFs), please contact:
Josh Ward, PhDSenior Client PartnerHigher Education and Academic MedicineKorn Ferry(405) 640-3994[email protected]
Responsibilities

• Serves as the chief academic officer of the University
• Provides vigorous, dynamic leadership, and overall direction for the instructional and research programs of the University
• Responsible for all aspects of the academic mission
• Fosters the development of new undergraduate and graduate programs and enhancement of existing academic offerings characterized by UNE's commitment to integrated experiential, liberal, and professional education
• Directs all instructional assessment, accreditation, and academic regulatory/compliance initiatives across the University
• Leads comprehensive student success endeavors with a focus on student recruitment, retention, progression, and graduation
• Guides research and scholarship activities consistent with an R2 university
• Promotes an inclusive campus culture that is respectful of human differences
• Fosters relationships with local, regional, and global partners, thereby expanding networks and opportunities for students, faculty, and professional staff
• Collaborates in academic space planning and resource allocation
• Provides leadership and guidance to the University's various centers and institutes.
• Serves as liaison between the University Faculty Assembly, the faculty, and the President
• Collaborates with the President, SVP of Finance and Administration, and other vice presidents to provide leadership in strategic and entrepreneurial planning related to UNE's mission
• Works with the President and SVP of Finance and Administration on development and implementation of the University's academic operating budget
• Maintains awareness of local, regional, and national trends and developments in higher education
• Serves for the President in their temporary absence
• Acts in an advisory role to the President

Qualifications
Competitive candidates will have a variety of professional experience and personal qualifications, including the following:

• A doctorate or appropriate terminal degree plus academic credentials that merit an appointment at the rank of Full Professor in one of the University's colleges is required
• A leadership style that is built upon empowering others to work towards a shared and collaborative strategic vision balanced with a commitment to execution and implementation
• Intellectual humility and curiosity balanced with a communication style that projects confidence and diligence
• Willingness to proactively seek multiple perspectives to collaboratively reach conclusions
• Ability to effectively navigate, and communicate with, varied stakeholder networks
• Willingness to become a part of, and invest in, the UNE campus, community, identity, and culture
• Record of decision-making that prioritizes student-centricity
• Record of academic and scholarly achievement that demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence
• Experience as a senior-level administrator with demonstrated leadership skills necessary in managing academic programming and resources to advance the University's mission and standing
• Record of success in cultivating consultative relationships between colleges/units for successful, collaborative problem solving
• Experience creating an inclusive and welcoming climate and environment
• Knowledge and experience in curriculum design and regional/disciplinary accreditation review and processes
• Excellence in managerial, interpersonal, and communication
• Record of success in obtaining external support for scholarly or creative activities with a keen understanding of the broad spectrum of academic research and scholarship
• Experience and skills in cultivating excellence in scholarship, teaching, and public service as well as an understanding of how these components support UNE's mission
• Experience in facilitating strategic planning, assessment of institutional effectiveness, and developing and executing policy and capital improvements to enhance academic programs and implement the University's strategic plan
• An approachable and engaging leadership style that fosters connection, community, and a positive campus environment

EEO Statement Summary
Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.
COVID Vaccination Statement (PLEASE NOTE)
Posting Number
2022F0348P
Close Date
Open Until Filled
To apply, visit https://une.peopleadmin.com/postings/27039
je-b2b6b49ca2d94923be75baade6137b9b