Vice Provost - Exec Mgmt

About the role

The MSU Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education (VPUE) will be a transformative academic leader, providing vision, strategic guidance and advocacy for undergraduate academic programs, policies, and institution-wide student success initiatives. Reporting to Provost and Executive Vice President Laura Lee McIntyre, the Vice Provost and Dean will advance a comprehensive approach to undergraduate education that ensures all students are valued, supported, and positioned to learn, thrive, and graduate.

Education

The VPUE will lead a mature portfolio that has expanded significantly over the past eight years and is responsive to current trends in higher education as well as the needs and aspirations of MSU’s students and faculty. MSU has deliberately shifted from a student-deficit model to an institutional deficit model, emphasizing the institution’s responsibility to support every student MSU admits towards continuous improvement and success.

Office of Undergraduate Education

• University Advising
• Academic Initiatives
• Curriculum
• Learning & Academic Student Success
• Farmworker Student Services
• Undergraduate Student Success
• Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Key Near-Term Opportunities

• Supporting the launch and integration of the new Spartan Success Center
• Supporting the implementation of a new General Education Curriculum expected to be finalized and approved for implementation in Fall 2026

Leadership Style

Serving simultaneously as an academic dean and a vice provost, the VPUE will be both a peer to academic deans and a leader across the university. The role will require credibility with faculty, strong partnerships with academic and student affairs leaders, and the ability to collaborate effectively across schools, colleges, and central units.

Leadership Priorities

The VPUE will be looked to for leadership around undergraduate education and student success priorities that are aligned with MSU’s aspiration to support every admitted student through graduation.

Required Degree and Experience

• Terminal - Any multidisciplinary area
• Record of academic accomplishment sufficient for appointment as a tenured associate or full professor at MSU
• Progressive senior leadership experience in undergraduate education, student success, or academic affairs within a research-intensive university

Desired Qualifications

• Transformative, institution-shaping leadership
• Strong fiscal and operational stewardship
• The ability to engage effectively with internal and external partners
• Proven record of collaboration with faculty, staff, and academic advisors to advance undergraduate learning
• Inclusive and transparent leadership marked by clear communication and trust-building
• A deep commitment to equity, access, and MSU’s land-grant mission

Required Application Materials

• CV or Resume
• Letter of Interest addressing the themes in this profile

Special Instructions

• Please submit all applications, nominations, and inquiries to the WittKieffer consultants, Jessica Herrington, Ashlee Musser, Tyler Workman, through WittKieffer’s candidate portal.
• Outreach can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants via e-mail at jherrington@wittkieffer.com, amusser@wittkieffer.com or tworkman@wittkieffer.com