Austin Peay State University (APSU) invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations for the role of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Provost). Austin Peay seeks a seasoned, engaging, and innovative leader to serve as Provost, overseeing the Division of Academic Affairs at Tennessee’s fastest-growing public university. The new Provost will have the opportunity to join a university focused on student-centered learning, distinctive programs, and community partnerships, building upon Austin Peay’s positive momentum as a leading institution in the state.
Located in Clarksville, Tennessee, Austin Peay State University (APSU) is a thriving campus with more than 119,000 alumni and a diverse population of over 10,000 students. Austin Peay is classified as a Master’s Large institution by the Carnegie Foundation and offers doctoral, graduate, bachelor’s, and associate programs, with many programs offered fully online. As of Fall 2024, Austin Peay has seen an 8.2 percent increase in total enrollments, including over seven percent growth in undergraduate enrollments and more than a 13 percent increase in graduate student enrollment.
With nearly 9,000 undergraduate students and 1,500 graduate students, APSU provides a vibrant residential campus as well as serving online, part-time, and adult learners across multiple degree offerings. Students at Austin Peay have access to over 200 areas of study across 50 bachelor’s degrees, 21 master’s degrees, two doctoral programs, 23 professional accreditations, and a variety of specialized certificates. Austin Peay has a strong relationship with the United States military, with 29 percent of students being military-affiliated, and is one of only two universities with its own facility, at Fort Campbell, which serves more military-affiliated students than any other university in Tennessee.
Austin Peay is composed of seven distinct colleges: College of Arts and Letters (CoAL), College of Behavioral and Health Sciences (CoBHS), College of Business, Eriksson College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CoSTEM), and the University College. Leading the academic excellence, Austin Peay lays claim to over 1,600 faculty and staff. The more than 680 faculty (full- and part-time) are known for their dedication to teaching, mentoring, scholarship, and service. Over 900 (full- and part-time) staff members partner in the academic enterprise and embrace their roles as co-educators.
Reporting to President Michael Licari, the Provost serves on the President’s Cabinet and is a thought-partner and an engaged collaborator across the senior leadership team. The next Provost will have the opportunity to advance an academic vision and programmatic evolution for Austin Peay that is rooted in the University’s commitment to a dynamic teaching and learning environment with transformational experiences across a community-minded institution. The new Provost will lead, manage, and provide ongoing growth and professional development for the Division of Academic Affairs, including the academic affairs staff, seven academic deans, enrollment management, the library, and the Registrar.
The new Provost will have the opportunity to steward and innovate the University’s academic offerings and be a leader of collaboration and action who will foster continued momentum across programs, initiatives, scholarship, community impact, and student outcomes. The new Provost at will have the opportunity to partner with President Licari and the senior leadership team to develop, cultivate, and secure resources to further the academic mission and strategic priorities of the University. The ideal Provost will be a visible and engaged relationship builder with alumni, the Clarksville community, constituents across the region, and external stakeholders, elevating the experience of students, faculty, staff, and the Austin Peay community.
The successful candidate will be a leader with a distinguished academic record who commands the respect of the scholarly community and merits appointment as a tenured full professor at Austin Peay. The ideal candidate will bring significant academic administrative experience across complex institutions like Austin Peay, including experience with undergraduate and graduate education. The ideal candidate will bring experience with service to public institutions and be a leader inspired by Austin Peay’s significant contributions as a member of Tennessee’s public higher education.
This is a full-time position to be performed on site in Clarksville, Tennessee. The successful candidate is expected to reside in Clarksville. Salary is competitive, commensurate with experience, and accompanied by a generous benefits package.
The full Provost prospectus is available here: https://dsgco.com/search/21534-austin-peay-state-university-provost
Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically as soon as possible. The Austin Peay Provost Search Committee will begin to evaluate applications in December 2024. Although applications will be welcomed until the time that a new Provost is selected, candidates should submit materials by Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, to ensure full consideration. Applications should include a letter of interest that responds to the agenda for leadership and the desired attributes for the new Provost and a curriculum vitae/resumé. All materials will be considered in full confidence.
To express interest in this role please submit materials directly through the Talent Profile. If you wish to nominate a prospective candidate or inquire regarding the role, please use AustinPeayProvost@storbecksearch.com
Julie E. Tea, Managing Director
Kate Phillips, Senior Associate
AustinPeayProvost@storbecksearch.com
For more information, please visit Austin Peay State University’s home page at www.apsu.edu
Austin Peay State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU.
