Vice President for Academic Affairs

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) seeks an innovative and forward-thinking Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) to lead the undergraduate colleges, as well as three growing graduate programs - Master’s in Business, Master’s in Social Work, and Master’s in Teacher Leader. Serving on the President’s Cabinet, the VPAA is responsible for educational policy, academic programs, and supporting overall retention at the institution. This includes program review and innovation, program assessment and accreditation, assessment of student learning and advancement of student success, academic personnel decisions, budget development, fiscal accountability, program and curriculum development, oversight of a growing research enterprise, and the support of teaching and learning.

UPIKE is a visionary institution located in the heart of Central Appalachia. We strive to serve students – 35% of whom are first-generation, 99% of whom receive some form of financial aid, and 18% of whom are non-white at the undergraduate level – by making learning accessible and affordable. One of the University’s signature initiatives is Open Educational Resources, which offers no-cost course materials and reduces the economic burden on students and families. The academic programs at the institution utilize flexible delivery modes, including face-to face, hybrid, and online course offerings and programs. In a time of challenged economic viability, the University of Pikeville is thriving, in part, because of healthy enrollment in the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kentucky College of Optometry, and the new Tanner College of Dental Medicine.

The ideal candidate will have interest and expertise in the integration of career pathways as part of an undergraduate collegiate experience as well as a focus on specialized support related to retaining students in an open access environment. The University has prioritized student retention by combining continuous, proactive, personalized, and holistic advising and student success strategies. These have been very successful over the last several years, significantly improving student retention. However, there is still important work to be done as we seek to retain and graduate students at an even higher rate.

The VPAA reports to the President and requires extensive interaction with several key academic leaders and other faculty/staff within the University's broader academic programs. The Deans of the undergraduate colleges in Business, Arts and Sciences, and Nursing and Health and Human Services, report directly to the VPAA as do other academically related roles such as library, registrar, teaching and learning, and student support services.

Skills/Experience/Training Required:

1. Terminal degree required from an accredited institution.
2. At least five years of proven experience within the last ten years in academic leadership roles that include budget management authority.
3. Experience teaching face-to-face and/or online within a higher education environment.
4. Experience with writing high-level grants and development of research trajectories.
5. Demonstrated leadership capacity to establish an environment of excellence in curriculum design, and scholarly activity.
6. High level of interpersonal and written communication skills that engender credibility and trust.
7. Demonstrated success in leading an organization that has a complex and fast-changing environment.
8. Ability to actively support the mission of the university by working with diverse students, staff, and faculty to share in and promote the core values of the University of Pikeville.
9. Desire to be part of an innovative and entrepreneurial team.
10. Professional demeanor, discretion, and ability to empathize with an academic community.
11. Critical thinking skills and ability to use data and technology to continually improve approaches and processes.
12. Team player: ability to synthesize multiple viewpoints and reach consensus.
13. Ability to use technology in order to improve administrative processes and procedures.
14. A history of demonstrating strong character and outstanding integrity.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

This position requires daily contact with co-workers, faculty, staff, student workers, college personnel, students, and alumni. These relationships are maintained through email, telephone, written, and person-to-person contact.

Additional responsibilities include representing the graduate and health professional programs at public events, university-wide student services meetings, and on both temporary and standing committees.  

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long-term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. Interested applicants should complete the online application by visiting http://jobs.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and the contact information for three to five professional references.