Administration

Search begins for vice provost for educational equity

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State is seeking candidates for the position of vice provost for educational equity.

A search committee will review applications and nominations beginning April 13 and continue to accept submissions until the position is filled.

The position became vacant in August when W. Terrell Jones, 64, died after an extended illness. Marcus Whitehurst has been serving as interim vice provost.

Penn State is the land-grant university of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania comprised of University Park and 24 other campuses throughout the state.

Reporting directly to the executive vice president and provost, the vice provost for educational equity is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, articulating and advocating the University’s goals, policies and procedures pertaining to equal opportunity for diverse and underrepresented/underserved students, faculty and staff at all campuses. Penn State is a national leader in higher education diversity strategic planning.

The vice provost is responsible for several academic support activities and units including the Office for Disability Services, the Equal Opportunity Planning Committee, the Multicultural Resource Center, the Office of Veterans Programs, three Upward Bound programs, two Talent Search programs, the Educational Opportunity Center and the Student Support Services Program. The Office of the Vice Provost also provides support for the activities of three Presidential commissions including the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equity; the Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity; and the Commission for Women.

This individual works closely with the University Faculty Senate to promote curriculum integration and in the evaluation of United States Cultures and International Cultures courses, and with the Graduate School to promote increased support for students. The vice provost facilitates cooperative research and encourages faculty to conduct research, especially evaluative research of programs operated as part of Penn State’s diversity efforts, and promotes international exchanges and partnerships in cooperation with the Office of Global Programs. In addition to these activities, the Vice Provost has responsibility for reporting to governmental agencies regarding the University’s plan for equal opportunity and for representing Penn State within the Committee on Institutional Cooperation.

The position requires an individual who has the skills and vision to lead a complex unit in a multi-campus environment. The vice provost must possess demonstrated abilities and a commitment to function across all domains of diversity and inclusivity among students, faculty, staff, alumni and external constituents.

Candidates are expected to hold an advanced degree, preferably a doctorate. The successful candidate should have a thorough familiarity with the philosophy and responsibilities of a large, research-oriented, land-grant institution. Prior experience in academic administration with responsibility for personnel, programs and resources is required. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Send letters of application (cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names of four references), nominations and inquiries to PSUSearch@psu.edu or Barbara I. Dewey, Chair Search Committee for the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, Penn State, 201 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802.

For more information about the Office of Educational Equity, visit http://equity.psu.edu/

Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Final candidate(s) for the position will be required to complete a full background check process including education, employment, credit, motor vehicle verifications, criminal and child abuse as appropriate.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, and other protected groups.

Last Updated October 27, 2015