EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROFILE PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Humboldt State University invites nominations and applications for an outstanding and innovative academic leader for the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. THE UNIVERSITY Humboldt State University (HSU) serves students who have a spirit of adventure and a passion for making a difference in the world. The University is recognized for the personal attention that faculty provide to students and for our emphasis on experiential learning and inclusive student success. Its longstanding commitment to social justice and environmental responsibility is reflected in the curriculum and extracurricular programs. The campus is located along Northern California s Redwood Coast, 275 miles north of San Francisco. It is a rural area known for its stunning natural environment of ancient redwood forests, pristine coastline, and rivers. There are unmatched opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. HSU is the northernmost institution of the 23-campus California State University system. HSU serves more than 8,500 students on its residential campus. Excellence in undergraduate education is the primary focus, with numerous academic programs having national reputations for excellence, attracting students from across the country. HSU offers 48 bachelor s degree programs, 11 master s degree programs, and numerous Credentials and Certificates of Study across three colleges: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Natural Resources and Sciences and Professional Studies. Some of the most popular disciplines include Art, Biology, Kinesiology, Psychology and Wildlife. Most of its students are traditional college age and fully 97 percent are undergraduates. They travel further for school than students at most CSU campuses, with just 15 percent of the students coming from the local area. 2
THE UNIVERSITY (continued) Many are the first in their families to attend college and they are increasingly diverse. Over the last decade the percentage of students from underrepresented backgrounds has increased from 13% to 31%. Last year, HSU was officially designated a Hispanic Serving Institution. Recent rankings include: U.S. News & World Report Top Western University; Princeton Review Best in the West college and a Top Green College; Washington Monthly for Contributions to the Public Good; Sierra Magazine A Top Green School; G.I. Jobs Magazine Military Friendly School, PETA A Top Vegan-Friendly School; and Campus Pride A Top LGBT-Friendly School. There are 223 tenured and tenure track faculty, and nearly all of them possess a terminal degree. Approximately 44 percent hold tenure. The faculty-to-student ratio is 22:1 and two-thirds of the classes have 30 or fewer students. The main campus is on 144 acres and there are numerous off-site facilities including a marine laboratory, a research vessel, an art gallery and a natural history museum. The annual operating budget is $177 million. HSU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as Baccalaureate/Diverse and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. HSU s hometown of Arcata has a population of about 17,000 and Humboldt County as a whole is about 130,000. Despite its small size, the community offers a range of businesses and services. There are more than 100 restaurants, several theatrical and musical performing companies, art galleries, movie theaters, and multiple local and regional festivals. The area is served by a regional airport that connects to San Francisco. Local schools are ranked as high performers statewide and nationally. 3
THE POSITION The Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs serves as the Chief Academic Officer of the University and is responsible for the intellectual life of the institution, including the quality of education, research, and service. Working collaboratively with the other Vice Presidents, the Provost reports directly to the President and serves in her stead as requested. The Provost contributes to defining the overall strategic direction of the University and ensures that all of the academic, educational, and scholarly activities sustain and contribute to that strategy. The Provost provides creative, focused support for realizing the University s goals and fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and effective problem solving. RESPONSIBILITIES The Provost has a broad range of responsibilities that encompass both the long-term academic development and current performance of the University. The Provost motivates, empowers and inspires the faculty, staff and students. The Provost has line responsibility for all academic administrators and provides leadership in the planning, development, assessment, budgeting, and oversight for all academic and research initiatives at the University. Direct reports to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs include the following: Vice Provost for Academic Programs; Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Sciences; Dean of the College of Professionals Studies; Dean of the Library; Dean of the Office of Research, Economic and Community Development; Director, Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Associate Vice President of elearning and Extended Education; Chief Information Officer; Director of Institutional Research and Planning; 4
RESPONSIBILITIES (continued) Direct reports to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs include the following: Director of the Center for International Programs; Associate Vice President of the Office of Retention and Inclusive Student Success; Director of Academic Resources. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Above all, the Provost must be a person of integrity whose personal interactions embody respect for and appreciation of the dignity and worth of all individuals. Specific qualifications include: Earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education Distinguished record of intellectual leadership and scholarship sufficient to warrant appointment in an academic unit at a senior level Five years of successful leadership in an administrative role in higher education at the level of Dean or higher Demonstrated understanding of the core values of mutual respect, collaboration and service orientation, multiculturalism and diversity, community service, and institutional excellence Evidence of participation in, and support of, shared governance Evidence of collaborative problem-solving skills and a commitment to transparent decision making Evidence of innovative leadership in academic planning and implementation, program development and personnel and budget management 5
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE (continued) Demonstrated leadership in implementing a University mission within a complex and academically strong institution Strong financial management skills with evidence of ability to make strategic budget decisions within limited resources Demonstrated skills in fostering excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, and public and professional service Demonstrated commitment to student success Evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively address issues affecting a wide range of constituents. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Proven experience with personnel issues related to faculty and staff Experience with innovative pedagogies that support learning and scholarly activity Experience promoting and representing an institution to internal and external constituencies Experience with academic planning in support of institutional enrollment goals Experience with public University systems with collective bargaining agreements COMPENSATION The Provost is subject to normal management reviews and serves at the pleasure of the University President. Salary is commensurate with the background and experience of the individual selected and falls within the range of the California State University Management Personnel benchmarks. Additional information, including the extensive benefits package, can be found at http://calstate.edu/hradm/policies/mpp. 6
HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY KEY INDICATORS 2014 Investment in Plant, less Depreciation: Plant Replacement Insured Value: Cost of Operating Physical Plant: Deferred Maintenance: Endowment: Budget: Tuition: Student Enrollment: Average SAT Score: Freshman Retention Rate: Graduation Rate (6 years): Alumni of Record: Number of Full-time Faculty: Average Faculty Salaries: Student/Faculty Ratio: Degrees: Library Volumes: Athletics Conference: $160,124,000 $478,536,000 $15,200,000 $105,000,000 $24,426,975 $188,000,000 $7,164 (in-state) $18,324 (out-of-state) Fall 2014: 8,502 Undergrads: 7,989 Grads: 513 995 2012: 78% 2008 Cohort: 44% 48,932 223 Tenure Line: 56.6% Professor: $88,986 Associate Professor: $69,740 Assistant Professor: $65,800 23:1 Undergraduate: BA, BS, Graduate: MA, MS, MSW, MBA 665,170 volumes CCAA, GNAC (football only) NCAA Division II 7
APPLICATION PROCEDURES The position will remain open until filled. Applications submitted on or before November 1, 2014, will be given priority consideration. Applications should be submitted via email and should include the following: 1) a cover letter that addresses the position responsibilities and qualifications listed above; 2) a current resume; and 3) the contact information for five professional references to humboldtprovost@rhperry.com. For Further Information, Contact: NEIL A. STEIN, VICE PRESIDENT (202) 965-6464 R.H. PERRY & ASSOCIATES 2607 31st Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 www.rhperry.com POLICY R. H. Perry & Associates is committed to the highest standards of professionalism in all dealings with candidates, sources, and references. We fully respect the need for confidentiality and assure interested parties that their background and interests will not be discussed without consent of the applicant prior to her or his becoming a candidate. Humboldt State University is a Title IX/Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Additional information about Humboldt State University can be found at: www.humboldt.edu 8