Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) seeks a transformative leader, bridge-builder and strategist to serve as its next Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs (Provost/EVPAA).

Since 1965, MSU Denver has offered tailored degree programs to keep up with students’ real lives, providing a high-quality, accessible, enriching education that prepares students for successful careers, post-graduate education and lifelong learning in a multicultural, global and technological society. Located in the heart of downtown Denver and less than an hour from the Rocky Mountains, the Auraria campus is a launch pad for all that Colorado has to offer. A national model of institutional partnerships, MSU Denver shares a campus and some resources with the University of Colorado at Denver and the Community College of Denver – all supported by the Auraria Higher Education Center.

As the leading public institution in Colorado for access and economic mobility and as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority Serving Institution, MSU Denver has the most diverse student body in Colorado – 57.7% of undergraduates are first-gen students and 50.3% are students of color. The 16,396 undergraduate and 1,170 graduate students choose from over 100 majors, 100 minors, 10 graduate programs and 40 certificate programs. MSU Denver has been recognized as the Top Transfer Destination in Colorado, a Top College for Diversity, recognized as Best for Vets in 2021, the No. 3 Most Innovative University in the West and a Most Civically Engaged Student Body.

MSU Denver’s next provost will join a dynamic, mission-centered and performance-driven leadership team led by President Janine A. Davidson in the heart of the growing Denver metropolitan area. As the university’s chief academic officer, the next provost/EVPAA will understand the need to integrate work, service and short-term credentials into the institution’s academic pathways and have ideas on how to best accomplish this given MSU Denver’s unique strengths and resource environment. The next provost will be experienced using data; will be focused on collaborative leadership across the institution but particularly with the vice president for student affairs; and will practice inclusive management to drive accountability for student outcomes down to the classroom level as well as to guide short and long-term budget decision making. Additionally, the provost/EVPAA will serve as the key ambassador between faculty and administration, building effective and sustainable relationships with an eye toward the whole student experience to promote enrollment, retention, persistence and success.

The successful provost/EVPAA candidate will be a synergistic leader committed to student success and an experienced change manager who promotes leadership and empowerment at every level of the university. The provost/EVPAA will join MSU Denver and continue the work of launching student success outcomes, an inclusive, cross-functional process co-led with the Vice President for Student Affairs and focused on five key areas of institutional transformation: faculty and staff workload, centralized advising systems, curricular alignment, technology optimization, and enrollment and retention goal-setting. As a result of this work, MSU Denver is committed to increasing student completion rates over the next 7 years.

The provost/EVPAA will have a strong understanding of the complex social, political, economic and technological changes affecting higher education today, bringing creativity and vision to help MSU Denver meet those potential challenges head on. With over half of MSU Denver students transferring credits from other institutions, the provost/EVPAA will lead efforts to bridge to the Colorado Community College System and ensure a seamless path to credentials for Colorado’s learners. The individual will also capitalize on the university’s current momentum and leverage its mission and values as an Anchor Institution to create a lasting imprint on the city of Denver, the state of Colorado and beyond. The successful candidate must have an earned doctorate from an accredited institution with the academic qualifications consistent with an appointment to the rank of full professor with tenure. This individual must also have a record of progressive administrative experience.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile and a diversity statement.

WittKieffer is assisting Metropolitan State University of Denver in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by August 14, 2023.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Darrien Davenport, Ed.D., and Lauren Bruce-Stets at MSUDenverProvost@wittkieffer.com.

The compensation range for this position is $290,000 to $325,000. Metropolitan State University of Denver offers excellent benefits including medical, vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, retirement, life insurance and a wellness program. Additional benefits include 12 paid holidays, paid time off, multiple forms of leave (6-weeks Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, etc.), an undergraduate tuition benefit and discounts.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of over 50% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.

MSU Denver is committed to creating and fostering a work environment and culture of belonging; we are proud of the work our employee affinity groups contribute to our culture. For more information on our employee affinity groups please visit this link.