University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Provost Search
Position Announcement
UW-Eau Claire has announced the search for its next Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, with the goal of naming the new Provost by the end of the 2026-27 academic year.
The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is the university's chief academic officer, providing administrative oversight for four undergraduate colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Health and Human Services, and Nursing; various other academic and co-curricular support programs; and the Office of Graduate Studies. The office develops and implements academic policies, priorities, and programs in collaboration with all
members of the university community.
More information on how to apply will be forthcoming.
Overview of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
As one of 10 comprehensive universities, one polytechnic, and two R-1 universities in a public higher-education system, the university provides more than 200 academic undergraduate and graduate programs and has been consistently ranked among the top regional public universities in the Midwest for more than three decades. Its longstanding undergraduate research program is bolstered by extensive extramural funding from private and federal sources, the only named Honors College among the UWs, and the largest Foundation endowment of any comprehensive UW campus. Together, these factors sustain UW-Eau Claire’s tradition of excellence and provide students with unparalleled opportunities that make every day extraordinary.
Shared Values at UWEC
- A spirit of innovation
- A passion for collaboration in service to the common good
- A commitment to liberal education
- A shared responsibility for excellence
- A dedication to opportunity and belonging
The Provost provides leadership for academic programs, faculty and instructional academic staff, institutional planning, and student success initiatives. The Provost oversees all academic colleges and key academic support units, ensuring the quality, relevance, and sustainability of the university’s academic portfolio in alignment with institutional and system-wide priorities.
The Provost serves as a key member of the Chancellor’s executive leadership team and acts on behalf of the Chancellor when necessary, contributing to the overall direction and management of the university.
Advance Academic Excellence and Strategic Innovation
The Provost will provide vision and direction for UW–Eau Claire’s academic program array, ensuring that curricula remain responsive to emerging regional and national needs. The Provost will lead efforts to strengthen existing programs and develop new academic offerings and delivery modalities that align with the university’s strategic goals and the 2030 Vision for Distinction.
Champion Undergraduate Research and High-Impact Learning
UW–Eau Claire is a national leader in undergraduate research, with more than 65% of undergraduates engaged in collaborative faculty-student projects. The Provost will steward and expand this signature strength by supporting sustainable models for faculty mentorship, securing external funding, and ensuring integration of research, teaching, and community engagement.
Promote Faculty and Student Success
The Provost will foster a culture of faculty excellence by supporting recruitment, retention, and professional development across the academic enterprise. This includes strengthening support systems for teaching, scholarship, advising, and tenure progression, as well as ensuring robust faculty development through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).
The Provost will also prioritize student success by advancing high-impact practices such as research, internships, study abroad, and community-engaged learning that prepare graduates for employment and continued education.
Strengthen Community Engagement and External Partnerships
Consistent with the Wisconsin Idea and UW–Eau Claire’s Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, the Provost will cultivate meaningful partnerships with regional and national organizations. These collaborations will enhance experiential learning, support workforce development, and reinforce the university’s role as an economic and cultural engine for the region.
Support Shared Governance and Collaborative Leadership
The Provost will work closely with faculty, staff, and student governance bodies, including the University Senate and Student Senate, to advance institutional priorities. The Provost will demonstrate respect for shared governance, transparency, and academic freedom, and will engage in open dialogue to build consensus and guide strategic decision-making.
The Provost will be responsible for the following areas:
Academic Personnel Administration
- Oversee faculty and instructional academic staff recruitment, appointment, tenure, promotion, retention, and evaluation processes.
- Recommend faculty promotions, tenure, and indefinite appointments to the Chancellor.
- Implement Board of Regents, Universities of Wisconsin, and institutional personnel policies.
Academic Program Administration
- Direct academic program review, development, and approval processes.
- Ensure alignment of academic offerings with institutional priorities, student needs, and workforce demand.
- Lead curricular innovation and assessment strategies to maintain academic quality and relevance.
- Works to advance the university’s enrollment strategy, including the development of program-specific enrollment goals.
Budget and Resource Management
- Develop and administer the Academic Affairs budget, aligning resources with strategic priorities and institutional goals.
- Recommend resource allocations to support faculty recruitment, retention, and program development.
Institutional Leadership and Planning
- Advance initiatives related to general education, student learning assessment, and accreditation.
- Collaborate with deans, vice chancellors, and academic leaders to implement institutional goals.
External Representation and Engagement
- Represent the university in system-wide forums, regional partnerships, and community engagement initiatives.
- Work with the Chancellor and Foundation to expand external funding for academic programs, faculty development, and research.
- Earned terminal degree from an accredited institution.
- Credentials appropriate for tenure at the rank of full professor at the time of appointment.
- Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
- Commitment to shared governance, academic freedom, inclusion, and collaboration.
- Experience supporting faculty development and high-impact teaching and research practices.
- Experience securing external funding or philanthropic support for academic initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to foster innovation, belonging, and student-centered academic environments.
Position Search Committee
The search committee for the next UW-Eau Claire provost includes:
Faculty:
- Mohammad Alasagheirin, College of Nursing
- Matthew Fish, College of Business
- Abby Hemmerich, College of Health and Human Sciences
- Damir Kovacevic, College of Arts and Sciences
- Robin Miller, McIntyre Library
Instructional Academic Staff:
- Peg Johnson, College of Health and Human Sciences
Academic Staff:
- Kelly Murray, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
University Staff:
- Matthew Morgan, Admissions Office
Student:
- Kai Hirata
Chancellor Appointments:
- Billy Felz, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management
- Lisa Jepsen, Dean of the College of Business
The work of the committee will begin this fall and continue into the spring semester.
Employment Conditions and Notices
The university reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing. This protection does not extend to final candidates — those individuals seriously considered for appointment or submitted for final consideration under Wis. Stat. § 19.36(7)(a) — whose identities may be disclosed as part of the search process. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).
The UWEC Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the University Police want students, faculty, and staff to be aware of crime on campus and in the surrounding area. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime. Visit Campus Security and Fire Report. Also visit our Campus Security Authority policy.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer, is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities regardless of age, gender identity, genetic information, religion, or sexual orientation.