Provost/Vice Chancellor Search: Position Notice

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications and nominations for the position of Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Reporting to the Chancellor, this individual is the chief academic officer of the University and acts as the chief executive officer of the institution in the absence of the Chancellor.

Responsibilities:  The primary responsibilities of the position are to promote academic excellence and provide leadership for intercultural and international education initiatives at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Other responsibilities include:  academic program planning for eight colleges, as well as the libraries and graduate studies; academic success and academic support services for students, including student athletes; curricular management and development; and the exercise of shared governance. The Provost, along with the other Vice Chancellors, exercises leadership in budget planning and accountability, strategic initiatives, enhancement of diversity, engagement of the University with the wider community, and other elements of administrative policy. The Provost plays a key role in the University’s management of Oak Ridge National Laboratory through UT-Battelle LLC. The academic deans report to the Provost. The Provost’s staff includes an Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration and administrators for Graduate Study, Undergraduate Academic Affairs, and Enrollment Services.

Qualifications:  The successful candidate will possess the following characteristics:  an earned terminal degree and evidence of scholarly, professional, or creative achievement sufficient to qualify for tenure as a full professor; progressively more responsible administrative leadership in higher education; a commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching, interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary scholarship, and international/intercultural education; demonstrated knowledge of, and history of commitment to affirmative action, equal employment opportunity and diversity; ability to represent the University to external audiences, including governmental and alumni groups; exceptional communication and development skills; and the ability to work collegially with a wide variety of constituencies. The position offers a very competitive salary and benefits package.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville:  The Knoxville campus, the state's fast-moving flagship and land grant institution, is a Carnegie doctoral research extensive university. Bolstered by the new HOPE lottery scholarships, Tennessee attracts students who number among the best in the state, region, and nation and has just enrolled the best freshman class in its history (25.6 avg. ACT). The university boasts a newly invigorated honors program and offers its faculty and students the impressive research opportunities and resources of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Its 26,000 students (20,000 undergraduate, and 6,000 graduate and professional students) study on an attractive campus covering 534 acres adjacent to the Tennessee River and downtown Knoxville. The University employs approximately 1,450 faculty and 5,000 professional and support staff. Ranked among the nation’s leading research institutions, UT Knoxville has a budget exceeding $600 million, which includes annual research funding of $142 million. The University welcomes and honors people of all races, creeds, cultures and sexual orientations, and values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity.

Knoxville, Tennessee:  The campus is located in a thriving, diverse, urban community with numerous intellectual and cultural opportunities. Located along the Tennessee River and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the metropolitan area offers a beautiful natural environment and outdoor recreation. The mild climate has four distinct seasons, and the cost of living is among the country's most affordable. Knoxville and nearby Oak Ridge support an opera company, symphony, ballet, jazz, and art and science museums, and serve as the medical center for East Tennessee.

Application Procedure and Timeline:  To be assured full consideration, applications and nominations should be received by February 16, 2006, but the position will remain open until filled. Applications should be submitted in electronic form to:  jhails@utk.edu. Applications must include a current curriculum vita and cover letter addressing how the applicant’s strengths and experience match the qualifications for the position and what he or she sees as the key challenges and opportunities in higher education. Applications from and nominations of women and minorities are especially encouraged. Nominations and questions should be addressed to:

The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, or disability in its education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996‑3560, telephone (865) 974‑2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the UTK Office of Human Resources, 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37996‑4125.