Executive Director of the Institute for Applied Data Analytics

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) is pleased to announce plans for an Institute for Applied Data Analytics and a Data Analytics academic program. This new initiative to bring a data analytics program to Southwest Virginia that will lead efforts to train professionals for the field and to provide consultation services for the region has received strong support from the General Assembly, the UVA Wise governing boards and senior administration, and an interdisciplinary faculty steering committee.

UVA Wise invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director of the Institute for Applied Data Analytics. Working with faculty across disciplines, the Executive Director will be responsible for setting strategic, operational, and financial direction for the Institute for Data Analytics. UVA Wise seeks a dynamic leader who will work in concert with faculty, staff, and students to promote a culture of collaboration.

This position is a 12-month faculty position with administrative responsibility. The initial academic appointment will be in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. As the Executive Director of the Institute, this individual will work closely with the provost and other senior administrators to determine the needs of the region and the college with regard to data analytics consultation services.

With regard to the academic program, duties will include creating and teaching undergraduate courses in data analytics, statistics, or informatics at both the introductory and advanced undergraduate levels, in addition to developing and overseeing the Data Analytics program. An essential aspect of the job will be the applied components of the program.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; must have a Ph.D. in Data Science or Data Analytics or an equivalent research degree; must have leadership or department chair experience; and should have the demonstrated ability for engaged and innovative teaching at the undergraduate level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Meet the requirement for tenure and appointment at the rank of Professor.
• Knowledge in one of the following areas: business analytics/economic forecasting, geospatial analytics, or health informatics. Other applied areas might be considered, but these are the most likely tracks that will accompany the planned major in data analytics.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to listen to and understand the needs of faculty, staff, and students; and the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated success in managing and leading a complex organization undergoing change.
• Success in growing enrollment at the undergraduate and graduate level.

About UVA Wise

A division of the University of Virginia and a member of the Council for Public Liberal Arts Colleges, The University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVA Wise) is an inspiring place to teach, learn, work, and call home. Through personalized attention and commitment to individual growth, UVA Wise prepares students to be engaged citizens. Drawing upon its foundation as a public liberal arts institution in the Appalachian region of Southwest Virginia, the College strives to build a diverse community of learners with the drive to serve and lead in their communities, the nation, and the world.

We offer access and affordability along with challenging academic work in the liberal arts tradition. The result is well-rounded graduates who earn fulfilling positions at leading organizations and pursue graduate study at prestigious institutions. And better yet, UVA Wise is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation whose students graduate with a low average student loan debt. 

UVA Wise Mission:

Through excellence in teaching, personalized attention and commitment to individual growth, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise prepares students to be engaged citizens. Drawing upon its foundation as a public liberal arts institution in the Appalachian region of Virginia, the College strives to build a diverse community of learners with the drive to serve and lead in their communities, the nation, and the world.

What makes UVA Wise one of the best public liberal arts colleges in the nation?

• Proven academics. While offering a variety of academic degrees, pre-professional study tracks, and teaching licensures, our leading liberal arts college maintains an impressive 13:1 student-faculty ratio.
• Dedication to reducing or eliminating student debt. Eighty percent of our students receive financial assistance, and 97 percent of our graduates are currently employed or seeking a higher degree.
• Thriving student life. With more than 50 student organizations, spirited NCAA athletic programs, and near-daily campus events, our students have many opportunities to get involved, grow as individuals and discover their passions.
• Picturesque campus. UVA Wise sits on an expansive 396-acre campus nestled amid the Appalachian Mountains, where students can experience unique cultural flavor as well as the great outdoors.

UVA Wise Fast Facts

• Total Enrollment: 2,021
• 33 majors
• 39 minors
• 24 teaching licensures
• 13:1 student-faculty ratio
• moderately selective and university admission is offered on a rolling basis
• 82% recent bachelor's recipients either employed or in graduate school
• All-Steinway School
• Apple Distinguished School of Honor
• accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

About Wise, VA

Home to some of the most scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail, vital natural resources, local music and culture, and flourishing new industries, Southwest Virginia is a welcoming and growing region.

The College at Wise is located in Wise, Virginia, a small town with a rich history. The historic downtown is a short stroll from campus and features many locally owned shops and restaurants. Local farmer’s markets, summer movies in a downtown glade, and local festivals round out the variety of offerings in Wise. Just beyond Wise, you’ll find plenty to see and do, whether you love hiking, canoeing and camping or shopping local boutiques and enjoying delicious food and drink with friends. 

Wise is located approximately an hour from the Tri-Cities region of northeastern Tennessee, which includes Bristol, Va./Tenn., home to both the Bristol Motor Speedway and the Birthplace of Country Music, the organization that hosts the internationally renowned Rhythm and Roots festival each year. The Tri-Cities region boasts an international airport, the Barter Theatre, South Holston Lake, and more amenities including a wide array of shopping, dining, arts and cultural attractions, historic sites, outdoor adventures, and more!

Nomination and Application Process

Salary:

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply:

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC is assisting the University of Virginia at Wise in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. For a full application package, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of five references. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to Greenwood/Asher & Associates. Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

Please direct inquiries, nominations, and application materials to:

Jeremy Duff, Vice President, Executive Search, Greenwood/Asher & Associates

or

Ann Bailey, Senior Executive Search Consultant

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System and the University Physician’s Group and the College at Wise are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

UVA Wise is committed to helping the campus community provide for their own safety and security.  The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing information on campus security and personal safety, including alerts, fire safety, crime prevention tips, and crime statistics is available at www.uvawise.edu/ASR.  A copy is available upon request by calling 276-328-0190 or 276-376-3451.

The material presented in this leadership profile should be relied on for informational purposes only. This material has been copied, compiled, or quoted in part from UVA Wise documents and personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern.