VSU began seeking applications and nominations for the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) position on Nov. 27, when the first advertisement appeared in higher education job postings. The candidate will be selected by President Patrick J. Schloss by May 1, 2010.
There are 18 committees total that will take part in the selection process for the new VPAA; the target start date is July 1.
According to the vacancy announcement in the Chronicle for Higher Education, all applications or expressions of interest will be handled confidentially until a list of individuals to be invited for interviews is made available. While applications will continue to be accepted until a successful candidate has been identified, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by February 1, 2010, to receive full consideration.
Dr. Barney “Jay” Rickman, the executive secretary of the Faculty Senate, was appointed to chair the search for a permanent Provost and VPAA. According to Rickman, in his first two years as President of the 12,000 student Master’s I institution, Dr. Schloss has initiated a comprehensive review of the institution’s academic and administrative focus.  Specific attention has been given to shared governance and enhanced efficiencies.
Initial activities have included redirection of funds to academic priorities such as: graduate student support, faculty reassigned time, academic and scientific equipment, and instructional/research infrastructure, according to Dr. Rickman.
“Early achievements have included an 8 percent enrollment increase, expanded research productivity, and stronger civic engagement,” Dr. Rickman said.  “Aside from responsibilities typical of a Provost and Chief Academic Officer, the successful candidate will partner in this change.”
“The provost and chief academic officer is critical to the success of the institution,” Dr. Schloss said.  “We trust that the next officer will maintain the tradition of outstanding leadership that has served our institution so well.”
“I am confident that the search and screen committee will identify candidates that reflect the ideals for which we are recognized,” Dr. Schloss said.
As stated in the vacancy announcement as it appeared in the Chronicle of Higher Education, the required qualifications are: a terminal degree from a regionally accredited university; a rank of professor or equivalent with a distinguished record of scholarship; increasingly complex administrative appointments, including the management of a complex academic unit, comparable to the college of a Master’s I or higher institution; and a demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity and affirmative action.
The announcement also lists the following “desirable qualifications”: the candidate has advanced the mission of a comprehensive Master’s university within a state system of higher education; has established a strong record of teaching, research, and service; has been effective in