Provost

(posted 09/15/20)

Hollins University, one of the nation’s most dynamic and diverse liberal arts colleges for women, seeks an equally dynamic Provost to serve as its next chief academic officer. Reporting to the President and working in collaboration with senior administrators and the Hollins faculty within a shared governance model, the Provost will lead with compassion and courage; build an equitable, inclusive, and diverse learning community; and promote the enduring value of the liberal arts and the education of women.

With a visionary, new President at the helm, a strong record of alumnae engagement and giving, and institutional eagerness to implement new and transformative programs, Hollins aims to position both its students and itself to thrive amid the opportunities and challenges in an ever-changing higher education landscape. To this end, Hollins requires a Provost who will cultivate a strong and diverse faculty, as well as a leader who can encourage the faculty and staff to think boldly about existing institutional practices, ranging from academic programming to hiring practices.

Located in Roanoke, Virginia in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hollins University is a vibrant community with 130 faculty, 701 undergraduates, and 113 graduate students. Known for its creative and highly engaged student body and its distinguished faculty and staff, Hollins prides itself on its nationally-recognized academic programs, a deeply committed alumnae network, an extraordinarily beautiful campus, and its unique ability to ensure that each of its students has the opportunity to design a transformational college experience.

The Provost must be a gifted collaborator who genuinely likes to work with a variety of constituencies and who respects all members of the Hollins community. Hollins seeks a Provost who believes deeply in the power of equity and inclusion in higher education. The university also desires a transparent and collaborative leader who will build on Hollins’ existing academic programs and create connections across the campus community that stretch beyond academics. Other opportunities for the new Provost include restructuring the Academic Affairs office, developing a strategic plan for hiring a strong and diverse faculty, and harnessing financial and human resources to recover and rebuild in a post-pandemic environment.

The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate or other terminal degree and record of distinguished scholarship and teaching requisite for an appointment as a tenured associate or full professor; significant experience as an academic administrator in higher education including experience with budget management, fund raising, curriculum reform, and strategic planning; and experience and demonstrated success in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as they relate to academic programs including, but not limited to, the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty.

The new Provost will share the university’s commitment to the liberal arts, the education of women, and academic inclusiveness, and is expected to take office on or about July 1, 2021. A detailed position profile including full lists of key opportunities and desired qualifications can be found at:
https://spark.adobe.com/page/lfZTGQ5bQhLap/

To apply, candidates should submit a substantive cover letter addressing qualifications and desired attributes, a curriculum vitae, and a list of five professional references including addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, along with a brief description of the candidate’s working relationship with each. Application materials and nominations must be submitted electronically to:provostsearch@hollins.edu .

Confidential inquiries, questions, or nominations may be directed to Dr. Darla Schumm, professor and search chair,dschumm@hollins.edu or 540-362-6025.

Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2020, and will continue until the position is filled. Hollins is an equal opportunity employer, and is strongly committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness at every level of the university. Persons of all genders, persons with disabilities, and persons of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates are encouraged to comment in their cover letter on how their contributions will further the university’s efforts to ensure the success and inclusion of all members of its community.