Job Description

VPAA/Provost

Northern State University

Posting Number: NFE02965P

DepartmentL NSU-President

Physical Location of Position (City): Aberdeen

Posting Text:

Northern State University, a premier regional institution located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, invites applications and nominations for the position of Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Provost serves as the chief academic officer of the institution and provides strategic leadership for all academic programs, faculty affairs, curriculum, assessment, and accreditation activities.

This key leadership position requires an individual with a strong vision for the future of higher education, proven leadership skills, and a commitment to advancing the university's academic priorities.

As a key member of the President's Cabinet, the Provost plays a central role in advancing the university's mission, ensuring academic excellence, and fostering a collaborative campus culture focused on student success and is responsible for leadership of Northern's four colleges; The College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, Millicent Atkins School of Education, and the School of Fine Arts. Academic Affairs oversees; Graduate Programs, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), the Beulah Williams Library, Instructional Design, Institutional Research and Assessment, Online and Continuing Education, the Student Success Center, International Programs, and the Honors Program.

The provost is responsible for the curriculum and academic integrity of all academic programs, serves as the Chief Academic Officer for the Higher Learning Commission, and is responsible for regional and programmatic accreditation

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for academic affairs, including undergraduate and graduate programs, academic support services, and faculty development.

• Oversee faculty recruitment, retention, evaluation, promotion, tenure, and professional development.

• Lead institutional planning, assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement efforts related to academic quality.

• Collaborate with deans, department chairs, and faculty to ensure curricular relevance, rigor, and alignment with workforce and graduate school expectations.

• Support innovation in teaching, learning modalities, and academic delivery while maintaining academic standards.

• Manage the academic budget in alignment with institutional priorities and fiscal stewardship.

• Work collaboratively with campus constituents including; student affairs, enrollment management, finance, and advancement to support retention, persistence, and graduation goals.

• Serve as a visible, accessible leader who values shared governance and transparent decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate, or advanced terminal degree from an accredited institution and significant leadership experience that would garner the respect of the campus community is required.

• Proven record of successful academic leadership, including experience in faculty and academic administration in progressively responsible positions.

• Strong understanding of the current landscape of higher education, including trends in research, teaching, and learning.

• A strong record of developing new academic programs and partnerships to meet regional workforce needs.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships.

• Experience managing budgets and leading strategic initiatives.

• Proven ability to develop and build strong, collaborative relationships across a wide range of constituencies, including faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance the goals of the university.

• Experience with leadership development and mentoring at all levels within the organization.

• Experience with instructional technology, fundraising, and scholarship/research.

• A record of team building and leading through consensus to achieve institutional goals.

• A distinguished record of teaching, service, and research/creative activities.

Posting Date: 02/02/2026

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Open Until Filled

First Consideration Date: 03/02/2026

Advertised Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/6899330

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