Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of South Carolina Aiken

The University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken), a public regional comprehensive university, invites applications for the position of Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (EVCAA).

USC Aiken seeks a proven academic administrator who has the personal and intellectual qualities to lead the University’s academic mission during an exciting and transformative time in the university’s history. The Provost/EVCAA will work closely with the Chancellor and faculty and staff to lead the academic enterprise of the university providing a supportive learning environment in which innovation and excellence thrive.

The Provost/EVCAA is the chief academic officer of the University, reporting directly to the Chancellor of the University. The Provost shall advance the mission of USC Aiken in concert with the Chancellor, administrators, faculty, staff, and students. The Provost will assume a leadership role in championing and furthering the goals outlined in the University’s strategic plan. The Provost is an essential partner in continuing efforts that enhance the University's academic reputation as an engaged public university that prepares students to begin successful careers, enter graduate programs, or assume leadership roles.

Reporting to the Provost are the deans of the colleges, schools and directors of academic offices, and the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management.

The Provost/EVCAA’s extensive portfolio of responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership to the following offices: Academic Support, Office of Veteran and Military Student Support, Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management, the Gregg-Graniteville Library, Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, the Registrar, and Financial Aid.
• Delivering leadership and executive oversight of research and academic planning; assessment and curriculum review, faculty hiring, regional and program accreditation; development, recruitment and evaluation; honors and bridge programs; and continuing education.
• Ensure Academic Affairs is in compliance with SACSCOC accreditation and striving for continuous improvement.
• Serving as the institutional champion for student retention and success.
• Supervising the academic and budgetary activities of the university, the Provost serves on the Chancellor’s Cabinet and leads the Academic Council and Deans’ Council. The Provost interfaces effectively with the USC System offices and the USC Board of Trustees.
• Serving as the principal administrative liaison with an engaged faculty and staff.
• Acting as the chief executive officer directing academic and internal affairs of the University in the Chancellor's absence.
• Serving as the University’s representative to the Council of Chief Academic Officers for the USC System.
• Serving as the University’s representative to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
• Assuming other responsibilities as directed by the Chancellor.

Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree from an accredited institution.
• A record of effective full-time teaching, service and scholarly activities to qualify as a tenured professor in an academic discipline.
• Evidence of progressively responsible and successful academic leadership at dean’s level or above, preferably at the Provost/Chief Academic Officer level.
• A deep understanding of current trends in higher education and current and future workforce needs.
• Demonstrated success in building innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that build enrollment and meet current and future regional educational and workforce needs.
• A proven record of establishing policies, programs, and systems that promote increased retention, graduation rates, and student success and enhanced student experience and engagement.
• Experience related to regional (SACSCOC) and program-specific accreditations.
• Data informed and results driven.
• Experience in fiscal and personnel management at a high level.
• Deep knowledge of academic program evaluation and review.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, work transparently and ethically, and initiate and facilitate change.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a shared governance environment and within a university system.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting excellence in engaged teaching, impactful research and service.
• Achievements in increasing campus diversity.
• Ability to enhance operational efficiency and revenue generation.
• Ability to travel and work internationally to expand global educational opportunities.
• Commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the ability to solve problems creatively.
• Ability to articulate the relevance of a traditional four-year (liberal arts) degree while being sensitive and responsive enough to respond to current and future workforce needs.

USC Aiken is a comprehensive university within the University of South Carolina system. As a comprehensive institution with a focus on the liberal arts and sciences, it offers undergraduate and master’s degrees in more than 50 programs of study. USC Aiken is committed to active learning through excellence in teaching, undergraduate research, scholarship, and civic engagement. As a result, for the past two decades, USC Aiken has been ranked as one of the top public regional colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report. USC Aiken has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. USC Aiken has been designated a Military-Friendly School by Victory Media, Best for Vets by the Military Times, and a Top School in Military Advanced Education & Transition Guide to Colleges & Universities. USC Aiken is a proud member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC).

Grounded in liberal arts tradition, USC Aiken has emerged to become the STEM leader in the region new and emerging programs in engineering, cyber security, data science, and healthcare.

Located at the center of academic and government partnerships critical to the nation’s STEM and cybersecurity enterprise, including Savannah River Site, Savannah River National Laboratory, the Department of Energy, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, and U.S. Army Cyber Command – USC Aiken is helping advance tomorrow’s workforce through research, education and workforce development in high-demand job fields.

The university has furthered that commitment through planned construction of two national, state-of-the-art facilities – the $65 million, 60,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative in partnership with Savannah River National Laboratory and a $35 million, 43,000-square-foot Cyber Readiness facility in partnership with the South Carolina National Guard. Construction of the AMC is anticipated to be complete in 2024.

Founded in 1961, USC Aiken enrolls nearly 4,000 students from 41 states and 25 countries. The campus, situated on 453 acres, is located one hour from Columbia (SC), thirty minutes from Augusta (GA) and within three hours of Charleston (SC), Atlanta (GA), Charlotte (NC), Hilton Head (SC), and the Appalachian Mountains. Learn more about USC Aiken at www.usca.edu.

Full consideration will be given to completed applications received by October 15, 2023; however, the position will remain open until filled. The search will remain confidential until finalists are invited to the campus. To be considered, interested parties must apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/150760 and upload the following with their completed application: current resume/academic vita, a list of three references with contact information, and a letter of interest that addresses the qualifications. Finalists will be required to submit official hard-copy transcripts and three signed recommendation letters. Additional questions may be directed to Dr. Tim Lintner, Search Committee Chair, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. USC Aiken is an AA/EOE.