Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Leadership - Academic

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty.

For more than 140 years, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has worked to create an environment that inculcates learning, growth and productivity while affording a basic need to its students – a chance to advance.

The 15:1 student to teacher ratio makes it possible to maintain a learning environment with close interaction between students and faculty while challenging curricula encourage our students to seek and fulfill their potential.

You can excel in your chosen field of study through a curriculum of Certificate and Associates degree programs, more than thirty Undergraduate programs, Master’s degree programs and a Doctorate program in Aquaculture/Fisheries. You can also develop workplace readiness through internships, co-ops and fellowships in the U.S. and abroad.

Out-of-class experiences and student involvement include more than 90 student organizations, an internationally renowned Vesper Choir, Marching Band, Concert Bands, Wind Symphony, nationally recognized debate team, award-winning theater department and accomplished athletic program.

Though the main campus is in Pine Bluff, its reach is worldwide. UAPB has an extended campus in North Little Rock and offers as well as online courses. With the addition of the Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network (ARE-ON), students can engage in information exchange with others anywhere in the world. There are also Research and Extension offices in Lonoke, Newport and Lake Village and collaborations with other colleges and universities in the State through the National Science Foundation funded STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy.

As the second oldest land-grant institution in the state of Arkansas, the mission of this No Excuse University remains the same – to provide a high quality, affordable education with a personal touch. We invite you to Become a Part of the Pride at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 870.575.8400 .

Department:

University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties:

THE ROLE OF PROVOST AND EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Reporting to the Chancellor and serving as the university’s second-ranking officer, the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The Provost provides strategic leadership for the university’s academic enterprise, advancing excellence in teaching, learning, research, and academic support while helping shape institutional direction, align priorities and resources, and foster innovation across the institution.

The Provost oversees a broad portfolio that includes undergraduate and graduate education, faculty affairs and development, institutional effectiveness, academic advising, curriculum development, academic compliance, and strategic initiatives that advance enrollment, student success, and research growth. As a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Cabinet, the Provost partners across divisions to ensure that the academic enterprise is closely aligned with institutional goals related to persistence, workforce readiness, sponsored research, and post-graduate outcomes.

Reporting to the Provost are the academic deans representing the Schools of Agriculture, Fisheries & Human Sciences, Arts & Sciences, Business & Management, Education, University College, and Graduate Studies & Continuing Education. Direct reports for the Provost also include the following: the Librarian, Professor of Military Science, Registrar, Director for the Teaching and Learning Center, Director of Assessment, office staff-Director of Educational Assessment & Interim Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Project/Program Specialist)
The Provost oversees the Division of Academic Affairs budget, which totals more than $60,000,000 and will need to understand the financial realities of public higher education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will perform the following key duties and responsibilities within the Division of Academic Affairs:



Academic Leadership and Strategy

• Advance UAPB’s academic mission by overseeing all academic programs and services, ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic plan.
• Lead the alignment of academic planning, enrollment strategy, and workforce demand analysis to ensure that academic programs support student success, institutional sustainability, and regional economic priorities.
• Lead academic planning, including development of new programs, expansion of graduate offerings, and continuous curricular improvement.
• Foster a student-centered learning environment committed to instructional quality, intellectual inquiry, and academic excellence.
• Champion interdisciplinary learning, global engagement, and experiential education across the academic enterprise.
• Champion a university-wide culture of research growth by promoting interdisciplinary scholarship, expanding graduate studies, and aligning academic infrastructure to support UAPB’s pursuit of Carnegie Research 2 (R2) classification.
• Hold academic units accountable for measurable improvements in student learning outcomes, retention, degree completion, academic program productivity, and post-graduate success.

Faculty and Academic Personnel Development

• Support the recruitment, development, evaluation, and retention of outstanding faculty and academic leaders.
• Promote a culture of scholarly excellence, shared governance, and collegial collaboration.
• Oversee reappointment, tenure, promotion, post-tenure review, and faculty development policies and processes.
• Strengthen faculty capacity to secure extramural research funding by promoting grant development training, cultivating interdisciplinary collaborations, and supporting mentorship structures that guide faculty through competitive funding pipelines.
• Support efforts to enhance faculty success in teaching, research, grant acquisition, and community engagement.

Student Success and Academic Support

• Collaborate closely with Enrollment Management leadership to develop and implement a data-informed Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) framework designed to increase enrollment, improve student persistence, and strengthen financial aid optimization strategies.
• Ensure alignment between academic degree planning and student success technologies.
• Initiate, assess, and evaluate the impact of learning communities, first-year experiences, and early alert systems on student academic momentum.
• Expand academic support services tailored to meet the needs of first-generation, Pell-eligible, and transfer students.

Academic Resource Stewardship

• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure sound planning and management of academic budgets.
• Strategically allocate academic resources, including faculty lines and support staff, to advance institutional priorities and student demand.
• Promote data-informed decision-making, resource optimization, and institutional effectiveness in all academic units.
• Lead the academic budgeting process, balancing strategic growth with fiscal sustainability and accountability.
• Utilize institutional data, predictive analytics, and performance metrics to guide academic planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement efforts.
  

Collaborative Leadership and Institutional Alignment

• Serve as a key advisor to the Chancellor and collaborate with other executive leaders to achieve UAPB’s strategic goals.
• Partner with Research and Innovation leadership to strengthen UAPB’s research infrastructure, expand faculty participation in sponsored research, increase student participation in research, and increase extramural funding and scholarly productivity.
• Collaborate with academic deans, department chairs, and faculty to align academic programs with regional workforce and industry needs.
• Engage regularly with the Arkansas Division of Higher Education and the University of Arkansas System on academic policy, compliance, and reporting.

Visibility, External Engagement, and Advocacy

• Represent the university’s academic interests to external stakeholders, including government agencies, accreditors, and philanthropic partners.
• Advocate for UAPB’s academic excellence and student impact in statewide and national forums.
• Collaborate with the Division of Advancement to support fundraising for academic priorities and student scholarships.
• Ensure that UAPB remains competitive in recruiting top faculty, students, and academic leaders.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution of higher education.

• A distinguished record of teaching, research, and service meriting appointment as a tenured full professor.

• Minimum of five years of progressive academic administrative leadership experience at the level of dean of an academic unit at a four-year institution of higher education or above.

• Demonstrated success in academic planning, curriculum innovation, and institutional accreditation.

• Evidence of a strong commitment to student success, including measurable improvements in retention, persistence, and 4-year degree completion.

• Experience with academic budgeting, enrollment planning, and performance-based funding models.

• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at a land-grant or research-intensive institution.

• Record of effective leadership in recruiting, mentoring, and retaining high-performing faculty.

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and interdisciplinary academic initiatives.

• Experience aligning academic programs with workforce demands and economic development priorities.

• Understanding of student affairs partnerships that strengthen holistic student development and success.

• Experience securing or supporting external funding for academic and research programs.

• Familiarity with NCAA Division I academic compliance and student-athlete support systems.

• Proven ability to lead change, manage complexity, and build consensus in dynamic environments.

The successful candidate will bring many of the following attributes and characteristics:

• A visionary and student-centered academic leader who understands the critical relationship between academic quality, enrollment growth, student success outcomes, and institutional sustainability.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to translate institutional vision into measurable action, aligning academic priorities, resources, and operational practices to advance UAPB’s pursuit of preeminence.
• A demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, faculty success, and scholarly productivity, including strengthening institutional capacity for sponsored research, grant development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research growth consistent with UAPB’s aspirations toward Carnegie Research 2 (R2) classification.
• A collaborative and solutions-oriented leader who effectively builds alignment across Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Research and Innovation, Student Affairs, and administrative divisions to improve institutional performance and student outcomes.
• A data-informed decision-maker who leverages analytics, assessment, and evidence-based practices to drive continuous improvement in retention, progression, degree completion, and post-graduate success.
• A leader who understands the importance of strategic enrollment management and academic program alignment in positioning the university competitively within an evolving higher education landscape.
• A genuine and authentic relationship-builder who cultivates trust with faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and external stakeholders while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and shared purpose.
• A strong advocate for faculty development and support who values teaching excellence, scholarly achievement, innovation, mentorship, and shared governance.
• An entrepreneurial and forward-thinking leader who recognizes the importance of workforce alignment, emerging technologies, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration in preparing students for success in a rapidly changing global economy.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position located in Arkansas. The compensation will be commensurate with experience and a great benefits package, in accordance with University of Arkansas System policies and procedures.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDATES

Candidate review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, please submit a letter of interest and resume through our Talent Profile . All inquiries and discussions are confidential.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Jeffrey Alston, EdD

Managing Associate

UAPB_Provost@dsgco.com

Additional Information:

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff seeks an accomplished, entrepreneurial, mission-driven, and visionary executive leader to serve as its next Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Reporting to Chancellor Anthony Graham, the Provost will serve as the institution’s second -ranking officer.

This defining period in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s history is marked by momentum, innovation, and opportunity. Guided by its vision to attain preeminence as a leading 1890 land-grant institution, UAPB is strengthening its role as a driver of regional economic development, industry advancement, and community impact. The next Provost will be a strategic academic leader and institutional unifier who champions student success, faculty distinction, research expansion, and academic innovation, while helping elevate UAPB’s standing as a nationally recognized, preeminent 1890 land-grant institution.

About the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is Arkansas’s only public HBCU and a proud 1890 land-grant institution with a legacy rooted in access, opportunity, and service. Founded in 1873 as Branch Normal College, the university has evolved over more than 150 years into a comprehensive public institution known for its commitment to student success, academic excellence, and regional impact. Its history reflects both resilience and transformation, including its designation as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1890 and its integration into the University of Arkansas System in 1972.

Today, UAPB serves a diverse student population of more than 2,300 graduate and undergraduate students and offers a broad academic portfolio, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The institution combines the intimacy of a student-centered learning environment with the scope of a public university mission, supported by a low student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse faculty body, and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through internships, co-ops, fellowships, research, and extension. Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and multiple specialized accreditors underscores the university’s academic quality and breadth.

As an 1890 land-grant university, UAPB advances its mission through the integration of teaching, research, outreach, and service. The university plays a distinctive role in the Arkansas Delta and beyond as a driver of economic development, applied research, and community engagement. Its reach extends beyond the main campus in Pine Bluff through an extended campus in North Little Rock, online offerings, research and extension offices across the state, and collaborative partnerships that strengthen workforce readiness and educational access.

UAPB is also defined by a vibrant campus culture shaped by deep tradition, pride, and a sense of belonging. From Homecoming and Founders’ Week to its renowned band, choir, debate, theater, and athletics programs, the university fosters a student experience that is both academically rigorous and culturally rich. This spirit of community is central to the institution’s identity and helps create an environment in which students are encouraged to grow intellectually, lead confidently, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Looking ahead, UAPB is building on its historic strengths, focusing on innovation, modernization, and institutional advancement. Investments in academic infrastructure, technology, and student life reflect a university that is honoring its legacy while positioning itself for the future. For leaders drawn to mission-centered work, transformational opportunity, and the chance to shape the trajectory of a historic public HBCU, UAPB offers a compelling and consequential platform for impact.

UAPB Values

Grounded in its historic mission and forward-looking vision, UAPB’s institutional values shape the university’s culture and guide how it serves students, supports faculty and staff, engages its community, and advances its broader public purpose.

UAPB is committed to the following values:

Student Focused
UAPB promotes the intellectual, physical, social, and professional development of students in all facets of university life.

Excellence
UAPB is committed to the highest levels of achievement in all aspects of operations.

Integrity
UAPB maintains the highest standards of ethical professional practices in all that it does.

Engagement
UAPB extends its reach and impact in the region through partnerships and collaboration with individuals, public and nonprofit agencies, community groups, educational institutions, and businesses.

Quality Customer Service
UAPB provides a respectful, polite, and consistently excellent service environment to its internal and external constituents.

Globalization
UAPB promotes internationalization and prepares globally aware and astute students for the 21st century.

Accountability
UAPB is a responsible steward of public and private resources and the public trust.

STRATEGIC PLAN: Growing the Pride

The university’s strategic plan, Growing the Pride , establishes a bold framework for UAPB’s future.

The plan focuses on five institutional priorities:

• Leverage UAPB’s image, reputation, and recognition
• Improve student success metrics and the academic culture
• Optimize revenue streams and resources
• Normalize the quest for funds to upgrade facilities
• Sustain a culture of institutional excellence through professional development

This strategic direction positions UAPB to expand research capacity, strengthen academic programs, and elevate its national profile while continuing to serve as a driver of opportunity throughout the Arkansas Delta.

A major institutional objective is achieving Research 2 (R2) designation, further strengthening the university’s academic and research impact.

THE PINE BLUFF COMMUNITY

Pine Bluff offers the opportunity to live and lead in a community defined by history, resilience, and renewal. Located in the Arkansas Delta along the Arkansas River, Pine Bluff combines the character of a historic Southern city with growing momentum around downtown revitalization, outdoor recreation, and quality-of-life investment. For candidates seeking both professional opportunities and a livable community, the community offers an appealing mix of affordability, accessibility, and civic pride.

As the county seat of Jefferson County, Pine Bluff serves as an important regional hub for commerce, healthcare, education, and public service. Its location provides convenient access to Little Rock while maintaining the advantages of a close-knit community where institutional leaders can have a visible impact. Residents benefit from a cost of living below the national average, a manageable pace of life, and a community environment where partnership and engagement matter.

The city’s identity is also shaped by its cultural assets and recreational amenities. Pine Bluff is home to a growing collection of attractions, entertainment venues, public spaces, and family-friendly destinations, along with access to fishing, boating, parks, and other outdoor activities that showcase the natural beauty of southeast Arkansas. Local investments in placemaking and community development continue to strengthen the city’s appeal for residents, students, families, and visitors alike.

For the next Provost, Pine Bluff offers more than a place to work; it offers the chance to help shape the future of a community and region. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff plays a central role in the city’s civic and economic life, and its leaders are positioned to engage meaningfully with community partners, contribute to regional progress, and advance a shared vision of growth and opportunity.

CHANCELLOR ANTHONY GRAHAM

Dr. Anthony Graham brings to the chancellorship of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff a distinguished record of visionary leadership, academic innovation, and an unwavering commitment to equity, access, and excellence in education. Across each stage of his career, he has demonstrated a talent for advancing institutional transformation, strengthening academic quality, and centering student success. His leadership reflects both strategic perspective and deep personal conviction, shaped by a professional journey that began in the classroom and has grown into a career of broad and lasting impact across higher education.

Before joining UAPB, Dr. Graham served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Winston-Salem State University from 2018 to 2023 and subsequently as Interim Chancellor from 2023 to 2024. Earlier, he was Dean of the College of Education and a tenured Full Professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where he advanced efforts to diversify the educator workforce and expand the university’s engagement with surrounding communities. He holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching with a concentration in Multicultural Education and a master’s degree in Secondary English Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A proud graduate of Kinston High School, he began his career as a high school English teacher in Greensboro, an experience that continues to inform his student-centered philosophy of leadership.

As a scholar, Dr. Graham is nationally recognized for his work on the educational experiences of Black male students across K–20 settings, including the ways academic and cultural identities are shaped by educational environments. His research has examined effective pedagogical practices, teacher identity, and culturally relevant instruction, and he has contributed extensively to the field through peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and a co-authored book. He also served as managing editor of The Negro Educational Review , one of the nation’s historic academic journals. Complementing his scholarly work is a strong record of external funding success: Dr. Graham has secured more than $25 million in competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and the Lumina Foundation to support initiatives that expand educational opportunity, diversify the teaching profession, and strengthen student success, particularly for students of color and those in underserved communities.

Deeply committed to student development and community uplift, Dr. Graham has launched and supported programs that foster mentorship, leadership development, college access, and long-term student achievement. His leadership has extended well beyond the university through service on boards, commissions, and statewide initiatives, including chairing former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s DRIVE Task Force and co-chairing the UNC System’s Educator Preparation Advisory Group. His many contributions have been recognized through numerous honors celebrating his leadership, innovation, and service. An in-demand speaker known for bringing passion and purpose to every stage, Dr. Graham is proud to lead UAPB into a bold new chapter grounded in excellence, access, and innovation.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

UAPB’s academic enterprise reflects both the breadth of a comprehensive public university and the mission-centered focus of a student-first institution. Through more than 50 degree and certification offerings, the university provides students with pathways across the liberal arts, STEM, business, education, agriculture, nursing, and applied and emerging fields. A 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports personalized learning, meaningful faculty engagement, and an educational environment designed to help students thrive academically and professionally.

The university’s academic portfolio is anchored by schools and programs that closely align with regional needs and national opportunities. UAPB offers distinctive strengths in agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries , arts and sciences , business and management , education , and graduate study . Its graduate offerings include programs in aquaculture and fisheries, addiction studies, business, computer science and technology, and educator preparation, including several programs with unique distinctions in Arkansas. This combination of academic range and specialized excellence positions UAPB to expand its research footprint, strengthen workforce development, and enhance its reputation as a destination for high-impact learning.

Equally important is the university’s commitment to student support and academic success. UAPB complements classroom instruction with a strong network of student success resources, including advising, retention coaching, tutoring, TRIO support, student-athlete academic services, testing services, and the STEM Academy. Across the academic enterprise, students benefit from hands-on preparation through research, internships, practica, and other applied learning experiences that connect education to career readiness and graduate opportunity. For the next Provost, Academic Affairs presents a meaningful opportunity to build on these strengths, foster innovation across the curriculum, and advance a culture of excellence that supports both student achievement and institutional distinction.

Why Join UAPB?

At the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, you will find a university on the rise — one that honors its legacy while embracing innovation. As a proud 1890 land-grant institution, UAPB stands as a beacon of access, excellence, and opportunity in the Arkansas Delta and beyond.

Joining the Chancellor’s Executive Cabinet, the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will help shape UAPB’s future as a preeminent driver of workforce innovation, research translation, and regional economic vitality.

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Special Instructions to Applicants (Please upload all required documents in the "Resume" attachment section of your application to be considered for this position) :

Jeffrey Alston, EdD
Managing Associate
UAPB_Provost@dsgco.com

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Feeling, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Driving

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes