Provost

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Ideal candidates will have many of the following experiences and qualities:

• Strong academic and administrative leadership experience overseeing a complex academic operation. Skill and acumen in setting financial priorities and allocating resources in a manner that is data informed responsible and mission-oriented.
• Strong scholarly credentials and deeply committed to and passionate about liberal arts education teaching and research. Ability to speak across disciplines and advocate for academic excellence.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an academic community where diverse perspectives are valued dialogue across differences is encouraged and all members of the community feel a sense of belonging and opportunity to thrive.
• A record of attracting mentoring and retaining exceptionally talented individuals and building a team of academic leaders who collaborate effectively to build innovative programs.
• Strong financial acumen and a willing partner to advance the fundraising objectives of the university.
• Experience with faculty governance and shared decision-making. Proven ability to work effectively within systems of academic governance fostering transparent decision-making constructive collaboration with faculty and respect for roles for trustees administrators and faculty in shaping institutional direction.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Academic Vision and Strategic Leadership

The world of higher education is changing rapidly and Denison expects to be a driving force in addressing these partnership with the senior leadership and President Weinberg the Provost and CAO will:

• Develop and communicate a compelling vision and strategy that elevates Denisons academic reputation and supports the 65 academic programs making a strong case for a Denison education.
• Champion the liberal arts mission while embracing strategic change and innovation including the development and evaluation of new majors and credentialing programs.
• Collaborate with academic leaders to assess and optimize legacy programs and resource allocation.
• Advance career outcomes and readiness initiatives; continue to integrate in-demand skills that lead to employment.

Collaborative Leadership

The Provost and CAO will be a broad-minded transparent leader and skilled communicator who will:

• Serve as a visible and approachable leader building strong relationships across campus.
• Maintain a strong faculty governance structure and ensure transparent inclusive decision-making processes.
• Be an intellectually curious leader who listens well and looks to build consensus for strategic priorities and initiatives.
• Serve as a bridge builder between academic departments the faculty and administration and academic leadership and the Board of Trustees creating an environment where all voices are invited and heard.
• Bring a passionate commitment to creating and participating in a welcoming and flourishing community that fosters a sense of belonging.

Leading People The Provost and CAO will lead a strong team that will best serve the evolving needs of students faculty and staff and will:

• Support develop and contribute to high-performing teams within the academic division (department chairs and academic administrative staff) and serve Denisons governance processes.
• Foster a culture of transparency and accountability promoting professional growth through aligned goals across disciplines.
• Work closely with the department chairs and faculty to achieve the appropriate staffing balances evaluate teaching loads and foster a supportive climate in which students can derive the greatest educational benefit.
• Represent the academic division to the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders.
• Oversee faculty tenure process and in partnership with the Dean of Faculty oversee faculty hiring and promotion process ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

The Provost and CAO oversees the academic mission of the college guiding the work of over 250 full-time teaching faculty across four divisions. Through its 9:1 student-faculty ratio Denison is committed to an intensive and comprehensive liberal arts experience offering over 65 academic programs including B.A. B.S. and B.F.A.

Reports to: President Denison University

Direct Reports: Associate Provost (2)
Dean of the Faculty
Dean of Transfer Students
Director Denison Libraries
Director Vail Series
Managing Director Eisner Center for the Performing Arts
Senior Associate Provost

Joint Reports: Associate Vice President & Director of Athletics
Director Office of Civil Rights & Senior Advisor to the President
Executive Director Austin Knowlton Center for Career Exploration

Other Key Relationships: Board of Trustees
Senior Staff

THE SEARCH PROCESS

Denison University welcomes comments inquiries applications and nominations which may be submitted via e-mail with supporting materials to

Denison University does not discriminate in its educational programs and activities on the basis of race color religion ethnic or national origin age disability sex gender gender identity gender expression sexual orientation veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law.

Title IX Notice: Sex discrimination is prohibited by federal law through Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Denison does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates including admissions and employment. For Denisons official Notice of Non-Discrimination please visit You can learn more about Title IX at Denison at