THE SEARCH
Wichita State University (WSU), the only urban public research university in Kansas, seeks an innovative, engaged, and collaborative leader to be the next Senior Executive Vice President and Provost (Provost). Founded in 1895, WSU has a keen focus on access and affordability, with a deep commitment to the Wichita community and the State of Kansas as a driver in talent development and economic prosperity. Known for its innovation and growth, WSU is on an impressive trajectory, where collaboration and creativity shape the future of education, with an entrepreneurial spirit embedded in its foundation.
With the University’s accelerated growth, its focus on a broader research footprint, and increased presence in the Wichita community, the leadership has made intentional decisions to promote the Provost’s position and title to Senior Executive Vice President and Provost and make necessary and planful changes to the Provost office reporting structure.
Wichita State University is one of the nation’s fastest-growing public research universities with a defined strategic plan and established key priorities that are well-engrained in the University’s culture and conscience. The University has an attainable goal to reach R1 status in the next several years. WSU has gained significant attention for its affordability and is recognized as the number one transfer destination in Kansas. With trend-bucking growth, there is campus wide excitement to maintain this momentum and to continue to find new and innovative ways to enhance the experience of students, engage the Wichita community, and grow enrollment across disciplines.
The establishment of a 130-acre Innovation Campus with 50 co-located companies, the recent partnership with the University of Kansas on a new $300 million biomedical campus in downtown Wichita, and the establishment of the National Institute for Aviation Research and Digital Transformation are some examples of courageous and innovative thinking and leadership at the University. The next Provost will take the helm of the academic enterprise at this key moment in the University’s history. The Provost will effectively collaborate with the president, deans, and other university leaders to provide a renewed emphasis on academic quality and rigor while prioritizing student success and well-being, focus on strategic enrollment growth, establish cutting-edge programs, cultivate inclusive excellence, create important infrastructures to meet current and future academic and research demands.
Reporting to the President, the Provost must possess the leadership strength and skills to work with deans, faculty, and staff in the continued shaping of a student-centered and innovation-driven urban research university. The Provost will lead the University’s efforts to become the model for meaningful applied learning across all disciplines and professions, with particular attention to innovation and digital transformation.
To Apply
Wichita State University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist the senior executive vice president and provost search committee in its identification and review of candidates. Inquiries, referrals, and resumes accompanied by a cover letter should be submitted via the search page on the Isaacson, Miller website.
Jacqueline Mildner, Partner
Robin Dougherty, Managing Associate
Lehman Robinson, Associate
Isaacson, Miller
Washington, D.C.
Wichita State University (WSU) does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age (40 years or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. WSU also prohibits retaliation against any person making a complaint of discrimination or against any person involved or participating in the investigation of any such allegation. Sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination and are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, other federal laws, and WSU policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding WSU’s non-discrimination policies: the Institutional Equity and Compliance Director (Telephone: (316) 978-3205), Title IX Coordinator (Telephone: (316) 978-5177), or Equal Opportunity Coordinator (Telephone: (316) 978-3186), each located at Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260, Human Resources Building.
