UNC Wilmington is committed to creating a powerful and personal learning experience for its 12,000 students. Central to the university’s mission is building and sustaining a strong sense of community with a core mission dedicated to learning through the integration of teaching, research and service.
To lead this effort, the university seeks applications and nominations for the position of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. This senior officer has broad, dual responsibilities in both academics and administration. As the Senior Academic Officer, the individual selected will work with the faculty to ensure a comprehensive, coherent and challenging curriculum, an excellent and well-supported faculty, and exemplary teaching and learning practices. This position leads a multifunctional, integrated academic division which includes the offices of Academic Affairs, Institutional Research, Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, Enrollment Management, and University Libraries. As Chief Operations Officer, the individual is responsible for ensuring that the organizational structures, processes, personnel, and daily routines of campus life support the realization of the institution’s mission and strategic plan. Direct reports include the Vice Provost and the Deans of the College of Arts and Sciences, University College, Nursing, Watson School of Education, Cameron School of Business, and the Graduate School. Although the Vice Chancellors for Advancement, Business Affairs, Information Technology, Student Affairs, and Public Service and Continuing Education report directly to the Chancellor, the Provost, representing the interests of the institution as a whole, has direct input into the formulation of goals for these units and provides evaluative input to the chancellor regarding the achievement of measurable performance outcomes.
The successful candidate must be a dynamic and motivating team leader who functions effectively in a fast-paced environment; has the ability to manage a complex academic organization; work effectively and collegially with all members of the campus community; promote shared governance; demonstrate excellent communication skills; and be able to provide sound judgment and decisive leadership that impacts the university and its stakeholders. This year, the university is embarking on a multi-year comprehensive campaign to improve its financial resources. The Chancellor’s leadership and focus will be necessary for the success of the campaign; thus the need for a proven leader to guide the daily operations of the university is even more pronounced.
Minimum qualifications include seven years of successful, senior-level administrative experience in an institution of higher education; experience as an academic dean or comparable senior level officer; a demonstrated history of strong leadership and successful implementation of complex initiatives; and a record of implementing programs to enhance diversity. An earned doctorate in an academic discipline (or appropriate terminal degree) from an accredited institution is required. Candidates should have a record of distinguished research/scholarship and teaching consistent with standards of the faculty and the requirements for appointment as professor with tenure at UNCW.
UNCW is consistently ranked among the top ten public master’s universities in the south. During the last five years, UNCW has closely followed a strategic plan and has thereby improved its quality; it is recognized by several national rankings for its aggressive progress and excellence. UNCW is one of 16 constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina and offers 73 bachelors, 30 masters, and 2 doctoral degrees (marine biology and educational leadership). Disciplines include arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing. The university community consists of approximately 12,000 students and 2,000 faculty and staff, and is supported by a $211 million operating budget.
Located in the historic, coastal, seaport community of Wilmington, the university is ideally situated between the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean. Wilmington has an active arts, cultural, and business environment and nearby beach communities serve both year round residents and vacationers. Considering the outstanding quality of life enjoyed here and the pleasant climate, Wilmington is truly an extraordinary place to live.
