Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Lamar University in their search for Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

For best consideration, please apply by April 1, 2022

Lamar University seeks an accomplished, student-focused leader with an established track record of visionary leadership and strategic planning to become the next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).

In addition to being a collaborative, results-focused, external facing academic leader, the Provost and VPAA will be a strong advocate for both faculty and students alike, effectively balancing the needs across campus. The ideal candidate can successfully lead and support faculty and staff in establishing and achieving the university’s strategic, long-term goals and the next phase of the university. The Provost and VPAA will promote stability and growth in enrollment, support transparency across campus, and create an intrinsic working relationship between student affairs and the undergraduate experience.

Reporting directly to the President, the Provost and VPAA is responsible for the academic operations of the University. The Provost and VPAA has oversight of all units within the Division of Academic Affairs including five academic colleges (Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Education and Human Development, and Fine Arts and Communication), the Reaud Honors College, and the College of Graduate Studies. The successful candidate will have a holistic understanding of academia and be able to identify areas of growth in each academic college. Additionally, the Provost and VPAA will establish a strategic direction and oversee activities to advance and support Lamar University’s academic mission and vision. The Provost and VPAA plays a key role in the allocation of budgetary resources, academic integrity, program development and the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus.

Essential Job Functions:

• Fosters intellectual growth, student learning, and scholarly and creative activities by providing academic strategic planning, administrative leadership, direction, and evaluation for all academic activities and faculty affairs at the University, providing leadership in internationalizing the campus, recruiting high quality faculty, and advancing multidisciplinary scholarship.
• Demonstrates sound fiscal management and empirical-based decision making by partnering with the Vice President for Finance and Operations/CFO/COO in overseeing program development, budgets, and facilities of all academic and academic support units.
• Ensures an active and expanding dialogue with external constituencies by encouraging partnerships with external constituents and public organizations, engaging in effective university advancement (including alumni affairs, fundraising, and advocacy on behalf of the institution), and facilitating the Public Affairs mission of the University.
• Implements the strategic academic vision by authorizing faculty appointments, recommending all promotions and tenure decisions to the President, making final decisions about the allocation of classroom and research space, working closely with the Associate Provost for Research and Sponsored Programs in implementing and evaluating major research initiatives of the University, working with the Vice President for Student Affairs in addressing the educational support needs and extra-curricular priorities for students, and with the other Vice Presidents and senior leadership of the University in coordinating and overseeing the overall academic mission of the University.
• Provide leadership in matters of academic policy and administration and regularly advise the President on these matters.
• Coordinate with the College Deans and Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management and Marketing, and other key leaders in the preparation of the class schedule and course catalog each semester and approves the final class schedule and course offerings.

Minimum Requirements:

• Earned doctorate degree
• Academic credentials consistent with the rank of full professor, or eligibility to be appointed at the rank of full professor at date of hire, as demonstrated by a distinguished record of teaching, scholarly publications, and/or creative accomplishments that exhibit commitment to academic excellence.
• Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of five years of progressively responsible, successful experience as an academic administrator at the level of Dean or equivalent involving both graduate and undergraduate students, including responsibility for budget, personnel, and evaluation.
• Experience with best practices in student success resulting in demonstrated positive results
• Experience in strategic planning, assessment of program effectiveness, and development of policy to enhance academic units within the University and with the national accrediting bodies.
• Appreciation of the role and mission of a public comprehensive university.
• Proven transparent and collaborative leadership acting as a trusted team builder as well as internal and external advocate
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to diversity and an understanding of its many forms, including creating and nurturing diversity among faculty, staff, administrators, and students
• Passion for preparing students for productive and successful lives

Preferred Requirements:

• A commitment to academic values including shared governance and evidence of strong abilities to work effectively and collaboratively with University administration, faculty, students, staff, and other constituent groups and partners, both within and outside the University
• Experience with innovative experiential learning opportunities for students including, but not limited to, undergraduate research, study abroad, service learning, and co-op opportunities
• Previous experience with enrollment management practices engaging academic programs and faculty in new student recruitment and resulting in enrollment growth
• An inherent interdisciplinary focus and commitment to innovative collaboration across diverse academic units and disciplines
• Demonstrated competencies utilizing new technologies to deliver educational services including experience with online program development and delivery
• Commitment to ongoing professional development of faculty and academic administrators
• Experience in developing and/or securing extramural grant and contract funding

About the University
Home to more than 17,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. Lamar University (LU) is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100 degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

The university stresses academic achievement by emphasizing hands-on learning at all levels, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate research and supporting an excellent Honors Program. Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is one of 29 public universities recognized as a Doctoral/Research University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Several LU colleges and programs hold additional specialized certifications and accreditations recognizing their quality and expertise.

Lamar University ranks in top 10 best public universities in Texas.

Living in the Area
With a population of over 115,000 in Beaumont and 409,000 in the Beaumont-Port Arthur Metropolitan area, the region boasts a lower cost of living than the national average and most cities in the state. The area’s destiny changed course dramatically in 1901 when the first oil well blew in the nearby Spindletop field and turned the area from a quiet lumber and port town into a thriving oil and gas economy, with one of the largest concentrations of oil refineries, oil, and petrochemical-related businesses in the state. This has given way to countless job opportunities in the area – for science, research, engineering, and higher education. Living in Beaumont has a cosmopolitan and small-town feel wrapped in one – it can be fast paced, as people typically live and work closely together, but also has strong small town community roots and friendly neighbors ready to lend a hand. There is always a new restaurant to try and good nightlife in the area. Education options are abundant in Beaumont, with all education rankings high on national and statewide levels compared to other cities. The gulf coastline offers sweeping, gorgeous sunsets and beach strolls, with exciting places like Houston or Lake Charles, LA for getaways only an hour away.

To Apply
Academic Career and Executive Search (ACES) is assisting Lamar University. Inquiries, nominations, and applications will be treated confidentially.

For best consideration, please apply by April 1, 2022

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita.

Please do not email applications. 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to lamarprovost@acesrch.com
Nominations and referrals: Please send to nominations@acesrch.com

Lamar University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Lamar University not to discriminate on the basis of non-relevant criteria including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, admissions or employment practices.