The President’s Office at Messiah University, a Christian University of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, invites nominations and applications, in the search for an innovative, collaborative, and dynamic leader to serve as the next University Provost. 

This position serves as the chief educational officer of the University, is a key member of the President’s Cabinet and is a direct report to the University’s President. This position will partner with other senior leaders to systematically position the University for continued success by leading the University, a mission, faith and student centered, strongly entrepreneurial institution to the next level of academic distinction, student success, and faculty engagement and support. This position provides direct supervision to 7 professional employees and 3 staff employees.

Messiah University is located in Grantham, Pennsylvania, 12 miles from Harrisburg, PA with easy access to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York City.

The University: Messiah University is a Christian university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences and has a student body of 2,500 undergraduate students including 17.7% under-represented and 3.0% international students from 24 countries and over 700 graduate students including 22.1% of students from under-represented populations.

The University is committed to an embracing evangelical spirit rooted in the Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan traditions of the Christian Church. Our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society. Messiah University is a teaching institution that emphasizes instruction but values research and public service. Strong support is given to faculty development in teaching and scholarship.

Diversity: Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that enables educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and cultural intelligence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.

Starting Date for Position: July 1, 2024

Compensation: Salary and rank commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applications/Nominations: Application materials will be reviewed upon receipt and will be accepted until February 15, 2024.

Please provide current curriculum vitae, philosophy of academic leadership, and a letter of interest that clearly explains how your Christian faith represents a strong fit with the mission of Messiah University, which is “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.”

Vitae Instructions to Applicants: Curriculum Vitae must include: (1) education, (2) previous employment history, (3) scholarly and professional accomplishments (e.g., papers, publications), (4) membership in scholarly, professional, or honor societies, and (5) awards and honors received.

Messiah University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran’s status in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, or the operation of any of its programs. Consistent with our nondiscrimination statement, the University does not tolerate abuse or harassment of employees, students or other individuals associated with the University. This includes, but is not limited to, vendors, contractors, and guests on the basis of, but not limited to, any of the above categories.

The successful candidate for Provost will have the following:

• An earned doctorate.
• 10 plus years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education.
• A clear and articulate Christian faith commitment.
• An excellent track record of demonstrating entrepreneurial thinking through innovative academic programming and assessment.
• Demonstrated effective fiscal management.
• Experience with institutional accreditation.
• Proven civic engagement through involvement with communities and public agencies.
• The ability to position the University to capitalize on partnerships in the region’s academic sector as well as demographic shifts ensuring that academic programs (current and projected) are associated with emerging market needs and the economic needs of the region.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the University.
• Evolving understanding of and commitment to the ongoing professional development of faculty, educators and academic administrators.
• Consistently demonstrated exceptional and collegial leadership which inspires confidence and respect.
• Evidence of ability to work effectively and collaboratively with University administration, undergraduate and graduate faculty, co-curricular educators, students, staff, and other constituent groups and partners, both within and outside the University.
• Ability to have a growing dialogue with external constituencies by supporting partnerships with external constituents and organizations, engaging in effective advancement including Alumni and Parent Relations, University Development (fundraising), and advocacy on behalf of the University.
• A solid understanding of and commitment to shared governance.
• Outstanding oral communication skills, including public speaking, written communication skills, and robust interpersonal skills.
• Strong supervisory skills including the ability to mentor and support a range of professionals.
• A well-developed understanding of contemporary issues in higher education.

About Messiah University

Messiah University is a top-ranked private university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences in the northeastern U.S.

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