University of Montana Western - Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

For best consideration, complete applications should be received before August 18, 2025.

Complete information is available on the Search Profile.

The University of Montana Western seeks a confident and experienced individual to serve as Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs (Provost). With the abilities to balance and prioritize, the Provost will possess the discernment to assess, modify, and define a path on which Montana Western can pursue its mission and goals. This visionary Provost will work with faculty and staff to build on a solid platform of success. A member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, the Provost works closely with the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. The Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs reports directly to the Chancellor.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As the chief academic officer of the University, the Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs is responsible for the integrity and vitality of the academic enterprise. Reporting to the Provost are 10 academic departments, the Dean of Strategic Initiatives, the Dean of Student Affairs, the Registrar and Senior Director of Enrollment Management, the Director of Institutional Research, the Office of Student Success, the Director of Institutional Technology, and the Director of the Library.

The Provost understands university culture and is a person of vision and unquestioned integrity as well as a strategic thinker. The Provost embraces the unique opportunity provided by Experience One and is passionate and optimistic about the future for Montana Western.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the hiring, development, tenure, promotion, and regular evaluation of all faculty; oversee hiring and regular evaluation of academic administrators.
• In conjunction with Division Chairs, oversee the development of course schedules.
• Assist with development of the faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and assure that all CBA provisions are adhered to by the administration and the faculty.
• Oversee curricular reviews and development and approval of new curricula.
• Participate in implementation of the strategic plan.
• Coordinate with campus committees to facilitate cross-area concerns and assure that projects align with and support the strategic plan.
• Represent Montana Western’s Division of Academic Affairs within the Affiliated Campuses of the University of Montana (UM) and within the Montana University System (MUS).
• Regularly attend Chief Academic Officer tele-conferences and meetings at the UM and MUS levels.
• Cooperate with the Dean of Students to oversee student disciplinary processes related to academic misconduct.
• Oversee the appointment of cross-campus committees and task forces.
• Oversee accreditation, assessment, strategic planning, research, and general education.
• Participate in fundraising in support of Experience One.
• Encourage faculty to engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning, especially in experiential learning.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required.
• An academic leader who has achieved tenure and full professorship is preferred.
• Has experience as an academic administrator and has managed academic budgets and processes, including tenure and promotion processes.
• Is student first, then faculty oriented and understands the unique teaching-learning environment.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills in speaking, listening, and writing.
• Exemplifies trust, equanimity, humor, and respect.
• Attends to detail and uses data for effective and efficient decision making.
• Has a collaborative style and a record of faculty advocacy.
• Is experienced in strategic planning, program review, and assessment.
• Has participated in regional and specialized accreditation processes.
• Is accomplished in interpersonal relationships and team building and operates comfortably in a collective bargaining and shared governance environment.
• Has partnered and collaborated with student affairs, finance, and administration offices in a university setting.

DILLON, MONTANA

A spectacular setting, Dillon, Montana, sits in the beautiful Beaverhead Valley, surrounded on three sides by the Continental Divide and seven mountain ranges.

Dillon provides a safe, small-town environment for Montana Western’s students, faculty, and staff. Concerts, theater, and other programs serve cultural needs of the community. Nearby recreational areas are ideal for nature study, picnics, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing.

Southwest Montana and the Dillon area offer beautiful, unspoiled country with an abundance of mountains, lakes, forest, valleys, rivers, fish, and wildlife.

Yellowstone National Park is just 2.5 hours away. Less than 2 hours away is Bozeman, Montana, with an international airport, excellent shopping and restaurants, and more outdoor recreation opportunities.

Winters in Dillon are historically mild and summers are pleasant with cool nights. The valley is noted for its typically crystal clear air and blue skies with abundant snow in the surrounding mountains but relatively little snow or rain in the valley.

Dillon has been recognized as one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by Forbes magazine. Its natural amenities and small town charm have also earned the attention of National Geographic Adventure’s “31 great small towns.”

Dillon’s residents have access to premier healthcare and education. The town boasts a new, state-of-the-art hospital and Dillon’s elementary and high schools are among the top schools in the state.