Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ferris State University.com
265k - 270k USD/year
Office
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Full Time
Position Title:
Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Location:
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:
The Provost and Vice President Is responsible for the following areas:
• The College of Arts & Sciences
• The College of Business
• The College of Engineering & Technology
• The College of Health Professions
• The Kendall College of Art and Design
• The Michigan College of Optometry
• The College of Pharmacy
• College of Retention and Student Success
• Extended and International Operations (Corporate and Professional Development, Graduate, Statewide, Online and International Programs)
• Ferris State University Charter Schools
• Accreditation and Assessment
• Research and Grants areas Position Type: Staff Required Education: The ideal candidate will hold an earned doctorate degree from an accredited institution and have the ability to obtain tenure status at Ferris State University and bring a distinguished academic background to the university. Required Work Experience: The candidate will have senior level experience in academic administration; competent in higher education regional accreditation; strong interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated leadership skills, and the ability to develop a shared academic vision through a collaborative process; high level of personal integrity; demonstrated competence in strategic planning, budget administration, and performance management; a commitment to the principles and practices of collegial governance and consensus building; ability to lead the development of new approaches for the most effective use of innovation in education including current technology trends. Required Licenses and Certifications: Physical Demands:
• College/university classroom experience;
• Robust knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues in higher education, including enrollment management, access, accreditation, and assessment;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a complex academic organization, work effectively with diverse constituencies, and manage change;
• Success in cultivating and expanding community partnerships, alumni affairs, and university fundraising;
• Experience with institutional or academic unit-level accreditation processes;
• Strong skills in academic program planning for both traditional and non-traditional students;
• Record of accomplishments in recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty, staff, and students;
• Experience with shared governance and collective bargaining agreements;
• Demonstrated ability to lead academic and educational programs with measurable accomplishments;
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies;
• Ability to interact with a broad range of public settings; a consistent, collegial, and transparent leadership style;
• Ability to think strategically, to prioritize effectively, and to act decisively;
• Strong skills to academic program planning for both traditional and non-traditional students. Essential Duties/Responsibilities: * Committed to academic excellence, program review, policy development, and academic program planning.
* Build on current strengths by continuing to develop the quality and depth of faculty and staff.
*Utilize exceptional budget and financial management skills, including awareness of the near-term interdependencies and long-term implications of financial decisions while using University resources wisely and in a financially strategic manner.
*Guide and assist Academic Affairs leadership in managing, hiring and structuring their organizational resources to function effectively, including in the hiring, promotion, development and performance management of their faculty and staff.
*Lead and advance the mission of the university increasing research, creativity and innovation in the Academic Affairs division.
*Utilize advanced skills in managing relationships, contracts, grievances, complaints and difficult/critical situations.
*Work across the university to increase enrollment and improve graduation rates.
*Recognize, foster, promote and reward leadership that moves the university forward, wherever it comes from.
*Facilitates and fosters the efforts of his/her management team, including deans and directors in the colleges at the undergraduate, graduate and professional program levels, and the library.
* Solidify and promote an academic vision reflective of a Learning-Centered University and the Core Values of Ferris State University.
*Utilize emotional intelligence, integrity, the highest standards of ethics while being an effective team member.
*Engage and collaborate closely with students, staff, faculty, and administrative colleagues throughout the University and the State.
*Build academics at the University through recognizing and promoting the work of others.
*Understand and build on Ferris’ mix of undergraduate career-oriented, graduate and professional educational programs and delivery systems to meet educational and economic needs throughout Michigan.
*Explore opportunities for futuristic educational programming.
* Develop and foster partnerships within and across disciplines, colleges, educational partners, and communities.
* Responsible for the strategic focus and quality of all academic programs.
*Responsible for the continued development of a student-centered environment with emphasis on student support, academic advisement, retention and graduation efforts.
* Reports to the President and acts for the President when necessary.
* Responsible for the recruitment, appointment, retention, and evaluation of highly qualified faculty and staff.
* Responsible for the ancillary offices that support academic affairs to include the Offices of Research, Grants and Graduate Education.
*Responsible for the development and administration of the budget of the Office of Academic Affairs and for other assigned areas of responsibility.
*Operate university motor or personal vehicles safely while performing job duties.
*Support and promote university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
*Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
*Perform other duties assigned within the position classification area. Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Skills and Abilities: • Ability to think systematically and globally in the advancing the mission of FSU.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective teams.
• Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Required Documents:
December 1, 2025 Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.
31000 - Academic Affairs
Advertised Salary: $265,000 - $270,000 Salary commensurate with qualifications. Benefits:Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
FLSA: Exempt Temporary/Continuing: Continuing Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time Union Group: N/A Term of Position: 12 Month At Will/Just Cause: At Will Summary of Position: The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) serves as the chief academic officer of Ferris State University (FSU) and provides leadership in promoting and accomplishing the mission of the University. The VPAA is involved with all aspects of FSU in the oversight, development, coordination, and implementation of academic goals, programs and educational policies; is leader and an advocate of faculty and students; promotes a collegial atmosphere in the University community; encourages shared governance, academic freedom, academic responsibility and academic innovation; prepares budget recommendations; reports to the President and is a member of the President's executive team; collaborates and coordinates with the team of Vice Presidents to lead and advise all aspects of the institution including enrollment.The Provost and Vice President Is responsible for the following areas:
• The College of Arts & Sciences
• The College of Business
• The College of Engineering & Technology
• The College of Health Professions
• The Kendall College of Art and Design
• The Michigan College of Optometry
• The College of Pharmacy
• College of Retention and Student Success
• Extended and International Operations (Corporate and Professional Development, Graduate, Statewide, Online and International Programs)
• Ferris State University Charter Schools
• Accreditation and Assessment
• Research and Grants areas Position Type: Staff Required Education: The ideal candidate will hold an earned doctorate degree from an accredited institution and have the ability to obtain tenure status at Ferris State University and bring a distinguished academic background to the university. Required Work Experience: The candidate will have senior level experience in academic administration; competent in higher education regional accreditation; strong interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated leadership skills, and the ability to develop a shared academic vision through a collaborative process; high level of personal integrity; demonstrated competence in strategic planning, budget administration, and performance management; a commitment to the principles and practices of collegial governance and consensus building; ability to lead the development of new approaches for the most effective use of innovation in education including current technology trends. Required Licenses and Certifications: Physical Demands:
- Office Environment
- Driving
• College/university classroom experience;
• Robust knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues in higher education, including enrollment management, access, accreditation, and assessment;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a complex academic organization, work effectively with diverse constituencies, and manage change;
• Success in cultivating and expanding community partnerships, alumni affairs, and university fundraising;
• Experience with institutional or academic unit-level accreditation processes;
• Strong skills in academic program planning for both traditional and non-traditional students;
• Record of accomplishments in recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty, staff, and students;
• Experience with shared governance and collective bargaining agreements;
• Demonstrated ability to lead academic and educational programs with measurable accomplishments;
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies;
• Ability to interact with a broad range of public settings; a consistent, collegial, and transparent leadership style;
• Ability to think strategically, to prioritize effectively, and to act decisively;
• Strong skills to academic program planning for both traditional and non-traditional students. Essential Duties/Responsibilities: * Committed to academic excellence, program review, policy development, and academic program planning.
* Build on current strengths by continuing to develop the quality and depth of faculty and staff.
*Utilize exceptional budget and financial management skills, including awareness of the near-term interdependencies and long-term implications of financial decisions while using University resources wisely and in a financially strategic manner.
*Guide and assist Academic Affairs leadership in managing, hiring and structuring their organizational resources to function effectively, including in the hiring, promotion, development and performance management of their faculty and staff.
*Lead and advance the mission of the university increasing research, creativity and innovation in the Academic Affairs division.
*Utilize advanced skills in managing relationships, contracts, grievances, complaints and difficult/critical situations.
*Work across the university to increase enrollment and improve graduation rates.
*Recognize, foster, promote and reward leadership that moves the university forward, wherever it comes from.
*Facilitates and fosters the efforts of his/her management team, including deans and directors in the colleges at the undergraduate, graduate and professional program levels, and the library.
* Solidify and promote an academic vision reflective of a Learning-Centered University and the Core Values of Ferris State University.
*Utilize emotional intelligence, integrity, the highest standards of ethics while being an effective team member.
*Engage and collaborate closely with students, staff, faculty, and administrative colleagues throughout the University and the State.
*Build academics at the University through recognizing and promoting the work of others.
*Understand and build on Ferris’ mix of undergraduate career-oriented, graduate and professional educational programs and delivery systems to meet educational and economic needs throughout Michigan.
*Explore opportunities for futuristic educational programming.
* Develop and foster partnerships within and across disciplines, colleges, educational partners, and communities.
* Responsible for the strategic focus and quality of all academic programs.
*Responsible for the continued development of a student-centered environment with emphasis on student support, academic advisement, retention and graduation efforts.
* Reports to the President and acts for the President when necessary.
* Responsible for the recruitment, appointment, retention, and evaluation of highly qualified faculty and staff.
* Responsible for the ancillary offices that support academic affairs to include the Offices of Research, Grants and Graduate Education.
*Responsible for the development and administration of the budget of the Office of Academic Affairs and for other assigned areas of responsibility.
*Operate university motor or personal vehicles safely while performing job duties.
*Support and promote university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
*Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
*Perform other duties assigned within the position classification area. Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Skills and Abilities: • Ability to think systematically and globally in the advancing the mission of FSU.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective teams.
• Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcript 1
December 1, 2025 Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.
Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Office
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Full Time
265k - 270k USD/year
October 10, 2025