Administration

Search underway for vice provost for Global Programs

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has launched a national search and is seeking candidates for the position of vice provost for Global Programs. Marcus Whitehurst, vice provost for Educational Equity, is chairing the search committee.

Michael Adewumi, who led Global Programs as vice provost since 2007, announced in August 2018 that he would leave Penn State to join the Institute for the International Education of Students as its next executive vice president for academic affairs, effective Jan. 2, 2019. Robert Crane is serving as interim vice provost.

“Penn State lives its land-grant mission in a global context, with international partnerships enabling many positive outcomes,” said Nick Jones, executive vice president and provost. “Our new vice provost for Global Programs will strategically advance and evolve those partnerships and foster new ones, further positioning Penn State as an institution of higher learning recognized for its worldwide commitment to impact.”

The vice provost for Global Programs provides vision and dynamic leadership for Penn State’s comprehensive international strategy; works closely with the University’s senior academic and administrative leadership; and leads the development of the University’s strategic international agenda, including developing new initiatives and strategic partnerships.

The next vice provost for Global Programs will secure external and internal funding to support international activities and programs and represent the University to external constituents worldwide. The vice provost oversees the Office of Global Programs — including Global Penn State, international students and study abroad — all of which contribute to Penn State’s position as a global university and broaden the global experiences of students, faculty and staff.

The successful candidate will have a clear and compelling vision for further developing and implementing Penn State’s international mission and engagement strategy. The position requires a globally aware, innovative and experienced leader and manager capable of motivating and collaborating with diverse teams to develop and execute plans to enhance the overall success of international education and engagement University-wide. The successful candidate should have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in a leadership position and possess excellent business and interpersonal skills and fundraising capabilities.

Candidates who have earned a doctorate or other terminal degree and a record of scholarly achievement sufficient to merit a tenured appointment at the rank of professor are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates from academic and/or nonacademic environments who may not qualify for a tenured appointment at the rank of professor but who have significant international engagement and leadership experience also are encouraged to apply. 

The search committee will accept confidential applications and nominations until the position is filled. Screening of candidates will begin immediately. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be provided before Feb. 8.

An application should include a letter describing relevant experiences and interest in the position; a resume; and the names of five references, with titles, addresses, business and home telephone numbers, and email addresses. Submission of materials in a PDF attachment to an email is strongly encouraged. Individuals wishing to place names in nomination should submit a letter of nomination, including the name, position, address and telephone number of the nominee. 

Applications and letters of nominations should be submitted to bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com or julieholley@greenwoodsearch.com.

Members of the search committee are:

  • Masume Assaf, director, Directorate of International Student and Scholar Advising, Global Penn State
  • Kathy Bieschke, vice provost for Faculty Affairs and professor of education
  • Brian Brubaker, director, Directorate of Education Abroad, Global Penn State
  • Jennifer Campbell, director, Directorate of Global Operations and Learning, Global Penn State
  • Jenifer Cushman, chancellor, Penn State Beaver
  • Zuleima Karpyn, Administrative Fellow and professor of petroleum and natural gas engineering
  • Gary Langsdale, University risk officer
  • Keefe Manning, associate dean for academic affairs, Schreyer Honors College, and professor of biomedical engineering
  • Aissatou Nabe, strategic engagement analyst, Global Programs
  • Esther Obonyo, associate professor of engineering design and architectural engineering; director, WEF NEXUS East Africa
  • Willie Ofosu, faculty senator, chair of the Global Programs Committee, and professor of engineering, Penn State Wilkes-Barre
  • Jeff Sharp, associate dean for international programs, Smeal College of Business, and associate professor of business law
  • Marcus Whitehurst, search committee chair and vice provost for Educational Equity
  • Jilan (Charlotte) Zhang, president of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association
Last Updated January 8, 2019