Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

At Montana Technological University

Montana Technological University seeks a creative, enterprising leader with vision and energy to serve as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. Reporting to the Chancellor, the Provost/EVC serves as the Chief Academic Officer with major responsibilities for strategic planning and guiding all aspects of teaching and learning in support of student success. In addition to being responsible for the academic programs across the institution, this senior officer oversees the areas of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The Provost/EVC acts in the capacity of chief executive officer in the absence of the Chancellor. The new Provost/EVC will have a start date of July 1, 2023.

For complete information, see the Search Profile at

https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/MontanaTech-Provost-EVC.pdf

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Opening in 1900 as the Montana State School of Mines, Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) received funding and land from the Enabling Act of 1889, which admitted Montana to the Union and allocated 100,000 acres of public land to establish a state school of mines. Today, Montana Tech (https://www.mtech.edu) is a premier STEM-focused institution and carries the prestige of being a Special Focus Institution for the Montana University System with emphasis on engineering and the life and health sciences.  

Dr. Les Cook has served as Chancellor of Montana Tech since 2019. Under his leadership, the institution has undergone significant organizational realignment, broadened engagement of faculty, staff, and students in developing strategic initiatives, and enhanced its supportive environment for learning and working. The new strategic plan, Deliberately Distinct: Positioning Montana Tech for the Future, is being implemented, with its strategic enrollment plan underway.

Consistently recognized among the top universities in the country, Montana Tech is rated #1 in the nation for “Best Value Engineering Schools,” has the #1 ranked Nursing program in Montana, and is the state’s top-ranked college in Forbes magazine’s 2022 “America’s Top Colleges List.” Of special note, the institution provides students the highest return on their educational investment of any institution in the state of Montana. Coupled with its internationally renowned, century-old tradition of excellence in higher education, its remarkable location in the heart of one of Montana’s richest historical and cultural communities, and its easy access to some of the best outdoor recreation in the country, Montana Tech shines bright among higher educational institutions.

Montana Tech currently serves 2,280 students across its four schools and colleges—School of Mines and Engineering; College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies; Graduate School; and Highlands College. While 79 percent of the students are Montana residents, the student body presents a national and global snapshot with over 40 states and 15 foreign countries represented.

The institution offers certificate programs and associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, along with two Ph.D. degrees. In addition to in-class learning, the institution offers two online graduate degree programs and a growing number of online courses at the undergraduate level.  

Highlands College houses all of Montana Tech’s career-ready and transfer programs that help meet important workforce needs in Montana and beyond. From certificates and associate degrees to community education and customized training, Highlands offers hands-on professional programs that lead to skills in current and emerging high-demand careers. Through the Dual Enrollment program, high school students can earn college credits while completing their high school studies. The College has developed new credentialing and other opportunities to meet employment needs in the region.

Montana Tech’s commitment to research has resulted in an unprecedented growth in its funded research over the last several years. The institution’s funding base has diversified to include local, state, and national support from the private sector and the government alike. Undergraduate and graduate students are frequently involved with faculty and staff in research programs. Research areas range from small mammal studies in biology to power grid reliability in electrical engineering to environmental remediation and new methods for developing oil, gas, and mineral deposits. 

The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, the geologic and hydrogeologic research arm of the State of Montana, is a department of the institution. The Bureau provides public service to a variety of constituents within the private sector and federal, state, and local governments. The Bureau develops, gathers, analyzes, catalogs, and disseminates information concerning the location and development of the mineral, energy, and water resources of Montana.

The Division of Student Affairs provides services that create a supportive campus environment that fosters engagement, academic success, and personal development within a diverse community of learners. From the Academic Center for Excellence to Student Engagement to Student Life, Student Affairs ensures students have supportive services throughout their educational career at the institution.

Learn More about Montana Tech

School of Mines and Engineering, mtech.edu/mines-engineering/index.html

College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies (CLSPS), mtech.edu/clsps/index.html

Graduate School, mtech.edu/gradschool/index.html

Highlands College, mtech.edu/highlands/index.html

Division of Student Affairs, mtech.edu/student-services/index.html

Montana Technological University Strategic Plan, mtech.edu/strategic-plan/index.html

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor is charged with establishing the academic vision for Montana Tech in pursuit of its mission, vision, and values through the contributions of the deans, faculty, staff, and their respective systems of support. Through a creative and enterprising workstyle, the Provost/EVC values the talents, expertise, and experience of faculty and staff as they support and guide students in their educational pursuits.

The Provost/EVC has ten direct reports: the Dean of the School of Mines and Engineering; the Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies; the Dean of Highlands College; the Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of Students; the Executive Director of Enrollment Services; the Library Director; the Director of Information Technology; the Director of the Institute for Educational Outreach; the Director of Institutional Research, and the Director of the Center for Academic Innovation.

The Provost/EVC will focus on positioning the institution to accomplish the goals of Montana Tech’s new strategic plan through thoughtful strategies and priorities. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate must have a Ph.D. degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited institution, along with a record of academic and scholarly achievement sufficient to earn the respect of the academic community. First-hand experience with the extensive duties of a deanship is preferred. 

The successful candidate also must have the following qualifications:

• Have a respected, progressively responsible record of executive higher education academic leadership that demonstrates the leadership skills needed to foster the academic progress and vitality of the university.
• Have an understanding of enrollment management that fosters student success, from effective recruitment and matriculation through graduation.
• Demonstrate passionate appreciation for research and building a vibrant research culture.
• Demonstrate an extensive understanding of curriculum and program development.
• Have experience to provide hands-on guidance and participation in strategic planning, including budgetary experience.
• Demonstrate knowledge of innovative policy development and delivery in keeping with national education needs.
• Have experience with accreditation processes and demands at the national and regional levels.
• Be a collegial, supportive advocate for faculty and staff professional development.
• Demonstrate commitment to the tenets of shared governance in a collective bargaining environment.
• Demonstrate commitment to develop strategies to support diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Have an understanding of workforce development and two-year education. 
• Have a commitment to a balance of academic excellence and operational efficiencies.
• Have strong communication and team-building skills.
• Be an innovative and engaging leader for students and faculty/staff, alike.

Attention Veterans

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, Montana Technological University provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form
(mtech.edu/about/employment-preference.pdf). You must include the job title of the position for which you are applying. E-mail the complete form to humanresources@mtech.edu. 

Butte, Montana

Montana Technological University is located in Butte, a city with 38,000 residents in southwest Montana. Once the country’s most flourishing center for copper mining, Butte has preserved that rich history. The city has one of the nation’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts with more than 4,000 structures, including some of the best examples of Victorian architecture available today. 

After a century of weathering the booms and busts of a mining-focused economy, the Butte community actively worked to diversify its economy at the turn of the 21st century. Tourism, recreation, and festivals draw tens of thousands of visitors to the city. Many artists and craft persons have settled in the area. The city's new Silicon Mountain Technology Park and Cyber Village is attracting international firms to the area. 

In addition to the shops, theaters, museums, restaurants, sports facilities, and local businesses, visitors and residents enjoy the beautiful architecture of the uptown area, the city’s ethnic diversity reflected in the food, art, and activities, and the lessons and treasures found at the popular World Museum of Mining. The city has quality public and private schools, comprehensive healthcare systems, and a moderate cost of living. 

Butte recently was designated a Gateway Community to the Continental Divide Trail. Outdoor recreation is available year-around from skiing and snowboarding to camping, hiking, biking, and fishing.

Application and Nomination Process

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

Applications

1. Application packet must include the following: a) A letter of interest (3 pages or less) addressing the applicant’s background in relationship to qualifications described, b) Current curriculum vitae or résumé, and c) Five professional references with each person’s position, office or home address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers. (References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant.)
2. Submit application packet (preferably as PDFs) to MTU-Provost@myersmcrae.com by February 8, 2023, for best consideration. Additional information will be requested upon receipt of application. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Nominations

Submit nominations to MTU-Provost-nominate@myersmcrae.com with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

Consultant

Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is assisting Montana Technological University with this search. To schedule a conversation, contact Kenny at KennyDaugherty@MyersMcRae.com.

Special Note

If the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act applies to you, be sure you complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form (www.mtech.edu/about/employment-preference.pdf) and e-mail the completed form to humanresources@mtech.edu. 

Montana Technological University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Technological University makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. To request an accommodation, contact Cathy Isakson 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu.