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Oakland University, a public R2 doctoral institution with a medical school, located in the Metro Detroit, Michigan, area (northern suburbs), invites inquiries, nominations, and applications as it searches for its next Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (hereafter referred to as Provost). Over the past four years, Oakland University (OU) has more than doubled its research expenditures, obtained the Carnegie Classification for an engaged campus, won the AASCU Excellence and Innovation award for Stewards of Place, was ranked by the Wall Street Journal as the best value for investment among its peer institutions, and in Michigan is ranked #1 for social mobility and #2 in preparing students for careers. Additionally, OU is the #1 transfer student destination in Michigan.

The University seeks a collaborative, creative, and dedicated academic affairs leader responsible for providing clear leadership direction and operational accountability for all academic units to build on this momentum and accelerate the drive toward excellence. Reporting to President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz and serving as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, the Provost plays a vital role in shaping the University’s future as it refines and implements Strategic Plan 2030, a blueprint for the ongoing transformation of the institution that builds on strengths, anticipates changes, and positions Oakland University to be not only responsive but visionary in addressing the challenges ahead.

The successful candidate will have a distinguished record of teaching and scholarship commensurate with full professor status at Oakland; a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; experience in senior academic administration, with a record of supporting undergraduate student success and excellence in graduate education and scholarship; and the ability to manage change within a unionized environment. The successful candidate will also value shared governance and be a passionate advocate for the investment in and value of public higher education. To achieve the goals in the University’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, the next Provost will strategically allocate resources and play a central leadership role in furthering Oakland’s commitment to advancing research and supporting a faculty of accomplished teacher-scholars.

Further details about Oakland University, the position requirements, the leadership agenda for the next Provost, and the application process are provided in the profile above.

Applications should consist of a substantial letter of interest addressed to the search committee, expressing your interest in this position and addressing how you meet the specific qualifications and

expectations outlined in the position profile. Applications should also include a CV, and a list of five professional references with full contact information and a note indicating the nature of your working relationship with each. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to: OaklandProvost@academicsearch.org.

Academic Search is partnering with Oakland University for this search. Potential applicants are welcome to schedule a confidential conversation with either of the Senior Consultants leading this search: Dr. Ginny Horvath (ginny.horvath@academicsearch.org) or Dr. Maria Thompson (maria.thompson@academicsearch.org). Please include a copy of your CV to inform the conversation.

The position is open until filled but only applications received by September 16, 2024, can be assured full consideration. The next Provost is expected to begin in Summer 2025.

Creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive campus is a strategic priority for Oakland University. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply and be assured that there shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, disability, creed, sexual orientation, veteran status or other prohibited factors in employment, admissions, educational programs, or activities. Oakland University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work-life balance.