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Sam Houston State University invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The university seeks an innovative and collaborative academic leader who will advance the mission and values of the university. SHSU’s motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” resonates across the university’s nine colleges. Guided by a focused strategic plan, SHSU has expanded beyond its historical roots, advancing through research, creative endeavors, innovative learning and meaningful community engagement. The new provost is expected to take office in summer 2025.

With a student population of more than 21,000, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is located in Huntsville, Texas, with an off-site instructional location in The Woodlands, the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe and a robust online presence through SHSU Online. Huntsville is located on the rapidly developing Interstate 45 corridor between Houston and Dallas. SHSU is 70 miles north of downtown Houston and 170 miles south of Dallas, ideally situated between the 4th and 9th largest cities in the country and two of the 10 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. This location presents many strategic opportunities for the future of Sam Houston State University.

For more than 140 years, SHSU has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Named for Sam Houston, Texas’s greatest hero, SHSU continually strives to honor its historical roots through academic excellence and meeting the workforce needs of Texas. While embracing its legacy, SHSU also strives to meet the needs of contemporary students, both traditionally and online. SHSU offers more than 95 bachelor’s degree programs, more than 60 master’s degree programs, nine doctoral programs, one professional doctorate (DO), and over 50 fully online degrees. SHSU is classified as a Carnegie doctoral university with high research activity (R2). It is also a Community Engaged University and a proud AASCU institution, demonstrating a commitment to education for the public good. SHSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SHSU is part of the Texas State University System, the first university system established in Texas, composed of seven institutions.

As the university’s chief academic officer, the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs provides expertise and leadership in the development and operation of the Division of Academic Affairs in support of the university’s mission. The provost reports to the president and oversees university administrative officials such as college deans, directors, or equivalent leaders in related areas. The provost provides leadership within Academic Affairs; works effectively with administration, faculty, staff, students, and outside contacts; and serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the university in the absence of the president. The provost is responsible for strategic planning, coordination, directing, and outcomes of all academic programs and other work.

The Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs must possess a doctorate or terminal degree; sustained teaching and scholarly endeavors appropriate for the rank of full professor and tenure in one of Sam Houston State University’s academic departments; proven and substantive administrative experience with a record of accomplishments as an administrator at the dean level or above at a senior educational institution. The provost’s duties require high-caliber coordination of diversified programs to ensure the achievement of SHSU’s mission. The ideal candidate must be able to balance innovation and tradition – someone who is ready to face the evolving challenges in higher education while safeguarding the rich traditions and core values of the academic experience. The provost must possess the ability to communicate, obtain support, and work collaboratively with internal and external contacts, including top government officials and business executives, in advocating for SHSU activities and programs. The position of Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs requires comprehensive knowledge of university structure, policies, rules, and procedures for a major university division.

More information about Sam Houston State University and the provost search is available at the link above.

How to Apply

The position is open until filled, but applications received by Monday, April 11, will be given full consideration. Applications should include: 1) a detailed letter of interest; 2) a current curriculum vitae (CV); and 3) a list of five professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted without explicit permission from the candidate. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be sent in confidence to: SHSUProvost@academicsearch.org

Sam Houston State University is being assisted by Academic Search. Confidential discussions may be arranged by contacting Ann Hasselmo (ann.hasselmo@academicsearch.org) or Chris Butler (chris.butler@academicsearch.org).

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Opportunity Plan Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.