High standards await provost applicants
The search committee has specified job qualities for candidates that will apply for the Utah State University’s Provost seat.
The committee is keeping an eye out for candidates who can fulfill the position’s responsibilities and have “high integrity.”
“We expect high ethical standards,” said Scott Hinton, committee chairman and dean of the College of Engineering. “We want to make sure our candidates don’t have a criminal history.”
The next provost, also known as the executive vice president, will work especially close with USU President Albrecht and will fill in for any of his absences.
“From my perspective, the provost, as chief academic officer of the university, should reflect those things we value most as an institution,” Albrecht said. “Certainly the term ‘integrity’ is an important part of that and should govern our relationships with students and with faculty colleagues and should guide how we teach, how we conduct our research, and how we interact with others.”
The position also works side-by-side with deans, department heads, academic staff and students to set academic priorities, such as allocating the Tier II tuition.
Candidates will need to prove to the search committee that they will be a successful administrator who will promote excellence in teaching, research and outreach activities. The candidate should be a distinguished scholar with strong academic credentials, and has earned doctorate or comparable terminal degree.
According to the committee’s announcement, “Vigorous advocacy for the academic programs and the intellectual life of the university community are essential.” The Provost’s Office should provide academic vision and leadership to advance and support excellence in teaching, learning, research and engagement for a “broad-reaching academic institution.”
USU currently has 41 academic departments and 850 faculties in the Colleges of Agriculture, Business, Education and Human Services, Engineering, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Natural Resources and Science. Graduate degree programs are offered in 40 departments with 92 master’s degrees and 36 doctoral degrees. Northwest Association of Schools along with 16 other professional associations accredit USU.
Hinton said excellence in oral and written communication is necessary because the provost will need to interact with the press and give presentations to the faculty, students, Legislature and industries affiliated with USU.
The provost needs to understand how to manage university budgets as well, Hinton said.
Each year, the provost and president work with the Legislature to secure the state funding that is necessary to operate the university. Therefore, the committee prefers someone who has worked at a public research and land grant university and is knowledgeable in dealing with state legislatures and federal funding agencies.
Hinton said the next provost will also need to be able to lead a fundraising campaign, such as the Comprehensive Campaign.
Because USU is designated a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral Research Extensive University, the next provost needs to show commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and student body.
So far, no applications have been turned in. Candidate applications are due at the President’s Office by July 1. The position will be open until filled. Interviews will be held on Sept. 5. The list of candidates will be submitted on October 14.
For more information on the committee’s search for the next provost visit: http://www.usu.edu/president/provost_search/.
-doantn@cc.usu.edu