PROVOST AND VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
 University of Wisconsin - Stout | |
 United States, Wisconsin, Menomonie | |
 Nov 18, 2025 | |
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Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Job Category: Employment Type: Job Profile: Job Duties: The University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout), Wisconsin's polytechnic university, invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications from accomplished and visionary leaders for the position of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Provost). As the University's senior academic officer, the Provost will collaborate with engaged faculty, staff, students, administrators, and external stakeholders to advance strategic institutional and divisional priorities aligned with the university's polytechnic identity; work with internal and external stakeholders to create innovative academic initiatives and solutions to address emerging regional and state needs; model forward-thinking and entrepreneurial action that demonstrates the responsiveness and relevance of a polytechnic university; and promote strong communication and collaboration across the division and University. In addition, the Provost will partner with Chancellor Katherine Frank who has high expectations for the University and has aligned the organizational structure in a manner that has allowed the University to become more nimble, forward thinking, and entrepreneurial. The Provost reports directly to the Chancellor and serves as the University's senior academic officer. In collaboration with the Academic Deans and other members of the Provost's leadership team, the Provost will ensure the pursuit of academic excellence through oversight of undergraduate and graduate teaching and learning; academic and co-curricular programming aligned with career placement; research and sponsored programs; faculty development, promotion, and tenure; youth programming and alternative credit and non-credit educational pathways; and innovative and future-focused academic initiatives necessary to help lead Wisconsin's polytechnic university. The Provost's primary responsibility is providing effective leadership for the University's academic endeavors aligned with UW-Stout's polytechnic mission, its position for the future and shaping the academic culture. The Provost will partner with the Chancellor and her Cabinet on the advancement of UW-Stout's 2030 Strategic Plan and the university's next strategic plan. In alignment with the University Long-Range Plan, which guides the organized growth and development of the university in support of the Comprehensive Academic Plan, the Provost plays a critical role in ensuring academic priorities support campus development and strategic direction. The Provost will also continue to advance the current Comprehensive Academic Plan and prepare for the next iteration of this plan upon its completion in 2028. In addition to working collaboratively with Cabinet, the Provost will work closely with the Faculty Senate, Senate of Academic Staff, University Staff Senate, and Stout Student Association on issues of university governance. The University is an important partner with the City of Menomonie, WI and the region; and the Provost is a critical member of the campus team committed to accomplishing the institutional, regional and state-wide vision of the campus and the Universities of Wisconsin. To achieve UW Stout's ambitious vision for the future, the next Provost will be a creative leader able to establish priorities, build consensus, work efficiently, and make decisions that support the mission of UW-Stout. The Provost has oversight of the Division of Academic Affairs with a total budget of nearly $70,000,000 and 500 FTE. Key Job Responsibilities: The Division of Academic Affairs includes:
Other units in Academic Affairs include:
In addition to direct supervision of the College Deans and Directors, the Provost oversees a broad team that includes an Associate Provost, Special Assistant, and administrative staff for the oversight of Academic Affairs. For more information about the Provost's Office, please use the following link: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/meet-our-leadership/provosts-office. Opportunities and Challenges The next Provost will be expected to address the following challenges and opportunities: Understanding UW-Stout - As Wisconsin's Polytechnic University, UW-Stout has a distinct identity; offers a strategic array of degree and non-degree granting programs; and serves traditional, online, transfer, high school, international, and adult learners. UW-Stout is focused on timely graduation and the successful placement of graduates in careers or post-graduate study following graduation. The new Provost must be able to understand and assess the current program array and identify any gaps and opportunities for improvement and expansion. The new Provost must also be adept at cultivating and stewarding partnerships with external entities and developing productive relationships with the other UW institutions and Universities of Wisconsin colleagues, as well as with colleagues within the Wisconsin Technical College System. Supporting Existing Strategic Plans and Preparing for Future Plans - The next Provost will play a critical role in supporting the University's ten-year strategic plan Focus 2030, as well as Academic Affairs' Comprehensive Academic Plan (2023-2028). The Provost will be instrumental in the planning for and implementation of the next editions of each plan, leading the latter. In doing so, the Provost will have the unique opportunity to harness and leverage the collective passion, drive, and commitment of faculty and staff at UW-Stout as the University remains committed to student-centered, future-focused visioning and action. The Provost will also help ensure alignment of academic priorities with the University Long-Range Plan, which guides the organized growth and development of the university in support of the Comprehensive Academic Plan. They will partner closely with finance and administrative leaders to safeguard long-term stability, make difficult decisions when necessary, and maintain the institution's position of strength within the Universities of Wisconsin and the broader marketplace. Enhancing the Student Experience and Student Enrollment - The next Provost will play a lead role in the enhancement of the UW-Stout student experience and highlight the value of its academic and student success programs for prospective and continuing students. The Provost will amplify the University's commitment to providing a high-value educational experience to its students while enhancing existing programs and offerings. The Provost will work in close collaboration with the Student Life and Services unit to guarantee a seamless integration of academic and student support services. The Provost will also work closely with the Vice Chancellor of Enrollment and Quality and its respective units to continue the upward enrollment trajectory. The Provost will oversee initiatives that enhance retention and ensure advising and student support remain robust and responsive. Contributing to Institutional Sustainability - UW-Stout is committed to strong fiscal management, as well as to long-term planning to ensure institutional viability. The next Provost will bring strong financial acumen and a business mindset to academic affairs. They must be comfortable managing a complex budget; will work closely with the Vice Chancellor of Business, Finance, and Administrative Services; will ensure accountability across departments throughout Academic Affairs; and will make the difficult, data-informed decisions necessary to operate efficiently and effectively. The Provost will also work closely with the Senior Facilities Officer to manage the needs and plan for complex array of learning environments that comprise a polytechnic university, as well as support the priorities of the university's Long-Range Plan for campus and technology infrastructure. Finally, the Provost will be comfortable working closely with the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations on fundraising planning and priorities, and will be an essential strategic partner as the University prepares for its next Comprehensive Campaign. Community Engagement - The Provost role extends beyond the traditional scope, requiring strong visibility and interaction with the campus community, active engagement in the surrounding communities, and the ability to represent the university across the state system and with industry partners. The Provost must be an advocate to external stakeholders, consistently promoting the value of a UW Stout education. UW-Stout has earned the respect of community stakeholders within the region through active partnership and engagement. UW-Stout's next Provost will inherit an organization that is already active in the community and prepared to build upon existing strengths and identify new areas for expanding university partnerships with business, industry, government, and other external entities. The Provost, in partnership with the Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement, will develop strategies for connecting the intellectual assets of the University with strategic university partners. This collaboration among Academic Affairs, the colleges, university outreach units, and potential employers contributes to the development of new programs/services that address real-world needs, provide internships and career opportunities for UW-Stout's students, and contribute to the University's research and academic environment. Enhancing Communication Across the University - The Provost must be committed to developing effective pathways for communication within all levels of the University to promote transparency, encourage participation of a diverse community, and generate enthusiasm for new initiatives and programs. UW-Stout's faculty, staff, and students are prepared to join the Provost in efforts to evaluate current academic offerings and opportunities, explore new academic initiatives, expand ties with industry, and pursue academic excellence. To do this effectively, the Provost must lead constructive and inclusive dialogue, navigate competing viewpoints and perspectives, serve as an active listener in this process, and ensure outcomes. Qualities and Attributes The Provost must be an experienced and collaborative leader with a proven track record of promoting excellence in academics and developing and implementing university-wide student success initiatives as well as establishing operational best practices. The successful candidate will demonstrate high ethical values, creativity, energy and will be committed to student success and the mission of UW-Stout as Wisconsin's Polytechnic University. The ideal candidate will:
Qualifications The successful candidate will be an individual of distinguished academic and administrative accomplishment with the highest integrity. They must possess an outstanding record of scholarship and academic leadership, including:
Application and Nomination Process The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. To apply for this role please submit materials directly through the Talent Profile. Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience. All nominations and applications will be handled in confidence. Inquiries and nominations can be sent to: Tom Fitch, Managing Director Guidelines to ensure consideration:
It is the policy of UW-Stout to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability. The Universities of Wisconsin provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees.
Employment is contingent upon the final candidate's completing a criminal background check and being cleared to work by the Human Resources Office. Employment is also contingent upon the final candidate passing reference checks and an essential job function test, as applicable. The reference check process includes asking the final candidates' professional references questions regarding employee misconduct,sexual violence,andsexual harassment. Reference checks must be conducted at a minimum with three professional references, at least one of which must be a prior supervisor. Final candidates with previous employment within the Universities of Wisconsin and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks. In response to a public records request, the Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in their online application, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). UW-Stout is committed to providing safety and security of all members of our community in accordance with the Clery Act. For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/life-stout/police-and-parking/clery-information UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer | |