Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

Search for the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

University of California, Irvine

Irvine, California

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks a distinguished scholar to serve as its next provost and executive vice chancellor. This is a unique opportunity to lead the academic enterprise of a growing research university as it continues its remarkable trajectory, working in concert with a very diverse university community to advance academic achievement, premier research, and educational innovation and access. Given the fiscal challenges presented to higher education by Covid-19, UCI remains well positioned financially through prudent campus management and continued application growth. The new provost will join UCI at an exciting and critical time, partnering with Chancellor Howard Gillman to implement strategy and vision to ensure that UCI is well-poised to meet the demands of an evolving higher education landscape while engaging with the broader Orange County community. The provost will harness the academic aspirations of a young, nimble campus, and with a foundation of wide consultation, actualize them through decisions that ensure the continued growth of UCI’s global impact and reputation. 

As a recently designated Hispanic-serving institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution, UCI is home to nearly 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students, more than 1,300 ladder-rank faculty, and over 11,000 campus and medical center staff members. The university continues to excel in student interest, experiencing a nearly 40% rise in applications over the last five years, holding the number one spot for California freshman applications. Founded as an interdisciplinary university, it boasts excellence across its arts and sciences core and in its professional schools and has been ranked among the top 10 public universities in the nation for six consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. As one of the youngest members of the prestigious Association of American Universities, UCI combines the strengths of a major research institution with the dynamism and agility of an emergent campus. In addition, its mission as a public land grant institution plays a significant role in contributing to the advancement of the state, the nation and the world.

UCI seeks in its new provost an inspiring leader who combines academic ambitiousness with collegiality, integrity and energy. In addition to scholarly distinction and appropriate administrative experience, the successful candidate will be an enterprising and collaborative leader who is deeply committed to continuing the work of building a great university. In doing so, the next provost and executive vice chancellor is expected to:

• Catalyze campus around the implementation of a strategic and shared vision
• Inspire and facilitate meaningful cross-campus collaboration
• Embrace and further UCI’s efforts to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Foster and enhance an already strong academic infrastructure
• Reinforce and enhance the University’s commitment to student success
• Build a culture of transparency, communication, and accessibility
• Dramatically increase the volume and impact of research to raise the prominence of UCI
• Champion UCI’s significant impact in Orange County, Southern California, and beyond

The University of California, Irvine has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, please apply by Friday, February 5, 2021. For more details, including the full position profile and to submit inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications, please see the search page on the Isaacson, Miller website.

David Bellshaw, Courtney Wilk-Mandel, and Joe Kralick

Isaacson, Miller

1000 Sansome Street, Suite 300

San Francisco, CA 94111

Phone: 415.655.4900

The University of California, Irvine is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. The recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity, UCI is responsive to the needs of dual-career couples, supports work-life balance through an array of family-friendly policies, and is dedicated to broadening participation in higher education.