VPAA/Provost

Posting Text

Northern State University, a premier regional institution located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, invites applications and nominations for the position of Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Provost serves as the chief academic officer of the institution and provides strategic leadership for all academic programs, faculty affairs, curriculum, assessment, and accreditation activities.

This key leadership position requires an individual with a strong vision for the future of higher education, proven leadership skills, and a commitment to advancing the university’s academic priorities.

As a key member of the President’s Cabinet, the Provost plays a central role in advancing the university’s mission, ensuring academic excellence, and fostering a collaborative campus culture focused on student success and is responsible for leadership of Northern’s four colleges; The College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, Millicent Atkins School of Education, and the School of Fine Arts. Academic Affairs oversees; Graduate Programs, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), the Beulah Williams Library, Instructional Design, Institutional Research and Assessment, Online and Continuing Education, the Student Success Center, International Programs, and the Honors Program.

The provost is responsible for the curriculum and academic integrity of all academic programs, serves as the Chief Academic Officer for the Higher Learning Commission, and is responsible for regional and programmatic accreditation

Key Responsibilities
• Provide visionary leadership for academic affairs, including undergraduate and graduate programs, academic support services, and faculty development.
• Oversee faculty recruitment, retention, evaluation, promotion, tenure, and professional development.
• Lead institutional planning, assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement efforts related to academic quality.
• Collaborate with deans, department chairs, and faculty to ensure curricular relevance, rigor, and alignment with workforce and graduate school expectations.
• Support innovation in teaching, learning modalities, and academic delivery while maintaining academic standards.
• Manage the academic budget in alignment with institutional priorities and fiscal stewardship.
• Work collaboratively with campus constituents including; student affairs, enrollment management, finance, and advancement to support retention, persistence, and graduation goals.
• Serve as a visible, accessible leader who values shared governance and transparent decision-making.

Required Qualifications
• An earned doctorate, or advanced terminal degree from an accredited institution and significant leadership experience that would garner the respect of the campus community is required.
• Proven record of successful academic leadership, including experience in faculty and academic administration in progressively responsible positions.
• Strong understanding of the current landscape of higher education, including trends in research, teaching, and learning.
• A strong record of developing new academic programs and partnerships to meet regional workforce needs.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships.
• Experience managing budgets and leading strategic initiatives.
• Proven ability to develop and build strong, collaborative relationships across a wide range of constituencies, including faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance the goals of the university.
• Experience with leadership development and mentoring at all levels within the organization.
• Experience with instructional technology, fundraising, and scholarship/research.
• A record of team building and leading through consensus to achieve institutional goals.
• A distinguished record of teaching, service, and research/creative activities. Posting Date 02/02/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 03/02/2026 Advertised Salary Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100% Work Hours 8-5 Typical Hours Worked Per Week 40+ Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations Setting Northern State University is a premier regional institution characterized by outstanding instruction, extraordinary community relations, and excellent co-curricular opportunities. NSU is consistently ranked as one of the best public undergraduate institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. NSU is organized into the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Fine Arts, and College of Professional Studiesincluding the Millicent Atkins School of Education and the Dacotah Bank School of Business. NSU is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, as well as multiple disciplinary accrediting bodies. NSU is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, a vibrant community in northeastern SD. The city has a population of approximately 30,000 and is a cultural, retail, banking, agribusiness, and healthcare hub for the region. The University enjoys a positive and strong relationship with the city and region. With more than $100 million invested over the last decade, Northern State University is experiencing transformative positive momentum. Recent new buildings, renovations and projects under construction include significant updates to the Johnson Fine Arts Center and Barnett Athletics Center, three new residence halls, the new Jewett Regional Science Education Center, a new regional Sports Complex with athletic and recreational fields, and a new Business and Health Innovation Center Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Northern State University is committed to building a welcoming culture of belonging and collegiality that respects diversity in knowledge, culture and world view. Northern seeks faculty and staff who will engage with individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives to increase awareness, understanding, respect and opportunity for all.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.