VP for Academic Affairs / Provost

Position Purpose

Centenary University exists to transform lives, build futures, and change the world. Guided by the University’s strategic priorities, Student Success, University Vitality, and World Engagement, the Vice President for Academic Affairs / Provost serves as the chief academic officer and a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for advancing academic excellence, innovation, and student achievement

The Provost partners closely with the President and Cabinet to ensure that Centenary’s academic programs, faculty engagement, and student learning experiences align with the University’s mission and position Centenary for long-term success and impact.

Position Summary

The Vice President for Academic Affairs / Provost provides strategic and operational leadership for all academic programs and functions of the University. This role ensures the quality, integrity, and continuous improvement of the academic enterprise while fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and student-centered learning.

The Provost oversees faculty affairs, curriculum development, academic policies, accreditation, and assessment, and works collaboratively across the university to support enrollment, retention, and student success. The role also serves as a key liaison between academic affairs and other University divisions to align priorities and advance university goals.

Core Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes

1. Academic Strategy and Program Innovation

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the development, evaluation, and enhancement of academic programs.
• Ensure alignment of academic offerings with student needs, workforce demands, and global trends.
• Lead the development of new programs, delivery models (including online and hybrid), and experiential learning opportunities.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across schools and departments.

Outcome:
 A dynamic and relevant academic portfolio that drives enrollment, enhances student learning, and strengthens Centenary’s competitive position.

2. Student Success and Academic Excellence

Responsibilities

• Champion student success initiatives, including retention, persistence, and degree completion.
• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning experiences across all modalities.
• Support academic advising, student support services, and co-curricular learning opportunities in collaboration with Student Affairs.
• Advance inclusive excellence and equitable student outcomes.

Outcome:
 Improved retention and graduation rates, strong student engagement, and measurable gains in student success.

3. Faculty Leadership and Development

Responsibilities

• Oversee recruitment, development, evaluation, promotion, and retention of faculty.
• Foster a culture of teaching excellence, scholarship, and professional growth.
• Support faculty engagement in university priorities and innovation.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive academic environment.

Outcome:
 A high-performing and engaged faculty committed to student success, academic quality, and university mission.

4. Academic Governance and Policy

Responsibilities

• Support shared governance and work collaboratively with faculty leadership bodies.
• Oversee academic policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements and regulatory agencies.
• Lead university assessment and continuous improvement efforts.

Outcome:
 Effective governance structures, strong accreditation outcomes, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

5. Enrollment and Academic Alignment

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Enrollment Management to align academic programs with recruitment strategies.
• Support initiatives that enhance student recruitment, transfer pathways, and graduate program growth.
• Utilize data and analytics to inform program decisions and enrollment trends.

Outcome:
 Academic offerings that support enrollment growth, improved student recruitment, and program sustainability

6. Strategic Planning and University Effectiveness

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and implement the University’s strategic direction within Academic Affairs.
• Use data-driven decision-making to evaluate program effectiveness and resource allocation including adding new and sunsetting programs and majors.
• Identify opportunities for academic growth, partnerships, and innovation.

Outcome:
 Aligned academic strategies that advance university priorities and optimize resources.

7. Collaboration and Cross-Campus Leadership

Responsibilities

• Partner with leadership across Enrollment, Student Affairs, Advancement, and Finance.
• Ensure academic priorities are integrated into broader university initiatives.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader within the campus community.

Outcome:
 Strong cross-divisional collaboration and unified progress toward university goals.

8. External Partnerships and Community Engagement

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with employers, community organizations, and academic partners.
• Promote experiential learning, internships, and career pathways.
• Represent the University in academic and professional organizations.

Outcome:
 Enhanced partnerships that support student opportunities, academic relevance, and university visibility.

9. Academic Operations and Resource Management

Responsibilities

• Oversee Academic Affairs budget, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Ensure effective and efficient use of academic resources and facilities.
• Support technology integration and innovation in teaching and learning.

Outcome:
 Efficient, well-managed academic operations that support quality and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree required.
• Significant experience in progressively responsible academic leadership roles.
• Minimum of 10 or more years of leadership experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated success in academic program development, faculty leadership, and student success initiatives.
• Strong understanding of accreditation, shared governance, and higher education trends.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Vision and Academic Leadership
• Commitment to Student Success and Inclusive Excellence
• Faculty Engagement and Development
• Communication, Influence, and Executive Presence
• Integrity, Judgment, and Accountability
• Data-Informed Decision-Making
• Collaboration and Organizational Leadership