Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee

Job Description:

The University of the South invites collaborative and accomplished teacher-scholars who have a deep appreciation for the liberal arts model and its potential development in the coming decades to apply to be the next Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The University of the South, commonly known as Sewanee, comprises a nationally ranked residential College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology of the Episcopal Church. The University is strongly committed to the values of intellectual inquiry, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and living and serving in community. Located on 13,000 acres atop Tennessees Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, known for its collegiate gothic architecture and its stunning natural environment while providing easy access to Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville.

The new leader will join the University of the South at an exciting moment in the institutions history. On July 1, 2023, Dr. Robert Pearigen became the 18th Vice-Chancellor of the University. In the first year of his work, the University completed a new strategic plan titledElevating Mind, Heart, and Place, which focuses on curricular renewal, student formation, and environmental education and stewardship. The College of Arts and Sciences has enjoyed steady enrollment in recent years and very strong admission results in the last year. As a member of the University Cabinet, the Dean of the College will play an instrumental role in connecting the faculty and administration and leading the College in the implementation of the strategic plan.

Reporting to the Provost, the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for the College of Arts and Sciences, working closely with department chairs, faculty, and University leadership to advance the University's mission and vision. The Dean provides strategic leadership and oversight for the academic programs, faculty, and students within the College of Arts and Sciences. The Dean is responsible for upholding the University's commitment to a well-rounded, interdisciplinary liberal arts education, while also fostering innovation and excellence in teaching, research, and creative activities. .

The University of the South seeks candidates who exemplify excellence in teaching and a commitment to scholarship appropriate to a liberal arts college and are especially interested in candidates that have some combination of the following:

• Commitment to an educational model defined by close student-faculty collaboration.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Integrity and experience adhering to procedures in faculty matters.
• Ability to communicate clearly to faculty and administrators.
• Experience managing budgets above the level of an academic department.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent, preferably in an area of study that is part of the curriculum of the College, a teaching and research record warranting a position of full professor at a liberal arts college, and experience in academic administration at the level of department or program chair or higher.

The College of the Arts and Sciences is a highly competitive liberal arts college that provides 40 majors and 44 minors to over 1700 undergraduate students and includes an MFA program offered to approximately 40 students through the School of Letters. In the last three years, the College has hired 27 tenured or tenure-track faculty, and the new Dean of the College has an opportunity to mentor these new faculty.

For full consideration, submit a cover letter expressing interest in the position, a current c.v., and a list of five professional references with contact information to: deansearch@sewanee.edu by November 25, 2024. The search committee will not contact any references until the search reaches an advanced stage and only after communicating with the candidate. Inquiries about the position may be sent to: deansearch@sewanee.edu. The successful candidate is expected to begin work on campus by July 1, 2025.

The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to help employees of all backgrounds and identities flourish.

If you have questions about the position or the University application process, please contact: deansearch@sewanee.edu. If you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process please contact Human Resources at 931.598.1381 or email us at hr@sewanee.edu.

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