Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Position Summary:

As one of the nation’s leading land-grant institutions, Colorado State University (CSU) invites applications for its next Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs (Provost). CSU’s next Provost will guide a rapidly advancing academic enterprise at a moment of significant momentum and growth. As CSU continues its rise in national and global prominence, the university seeks a strong, collaborative leader who will shape and execute a bold academic vision for the future.

Founded in 1870, CSU is a Carnegie R1 research institution distinguished by world-leading programs in veterinary medicine, atmospheric science, infectious disease, engineering, sustainability, natural resources, and agricultural innovation. As CSU reaches new highs, including record research and sponsored projects expenditures of $622 million in FY25, the next Provost will lead an academic enterprise encompassing eight colleges, more than 300 degree programs, a growing online portfolio, and an R1 research ecosystem recognized for innovation and excellence. Nearly 33,000 students and thousands of exceptional faculty and staff advance CSU’s mission through hands-on learning, breakthrough discovery, and outreach that delivers real-world impact across Colorado and around the globe.

In close partnership with the President, the President’s Cabinet, and leaders across the institution, the Provost will advance institutional priorities, champion academic excellence, strengthen student success, cultivate the faculty achievement, and accelerate research that propels CSU as the model for the modern land-grant university.

For more information:

Search for Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs | Office of the President | Colorado State University

Essential Job Duties:

The Provost is the chief academic officer of CSU and is responsible for the academic mission of CSU. Reporting directly to the university president and as member of the president’s cabinet, the provost will:

• Advance the academic mission of the university and serve as chief advocate for the academic enterprise
• Provide bold vision and direction for academic strategy and planning across colleges and academic units, including encouraging interdisciplinary initiatives
• Foster institutional innovation and change to ensure the excellence, vitality, and resilience of CSU as a modern land grant institution across all mission areas (education, research, and engagement).
• Enable CSU to respond to a rapidly changing and highly competitive environment and to continually improve the quality and reputation of CSU nationally and internationally
• Support a rich intellectual climate and excellence through the recruitment, development, retention, and recognition of faculty and staff
• Partner with the university’s academic leadership to envision, craft, and launch innovative strategies to increase student enrollment and access.
• Develop, implement, and support strategies to enrich student success, including educational, research, global, co-curricular, and extracurricular experiences at both undergraduate and graduate levels
• Collaborate with the university’s chief financial officer to provide oversight of the allocation of tuition and state funds across the academic enterprise in alignment with the president’s strategic priorities, including completing the implementation of a new budget model.
• Advance academic operational resiliency and responsible resource use across colleges and academic units, helping academic leaders evaluate tradeoffs using data, revenue and cost awareness, and long-term impact to support sustainable academic and financial outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with the president and fellow cabinet members to steer the institution effectively in the face of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity that surrounds any public institution
• Provide active partnership and support to advance the university’s research portfolio and priorities.
• Proactively engage in shared governance with employee councils and other stakeholders while also executing timely decision-making and action.
• Contribute to increasing extramural and philanthropic resources; represent the university externally, including with the Board of Governors.
• Be a strategic thought partner and advisor to the president.
• Act for the president, as requested, in a variety of circumstances and events, including in times of crisis when the president is unavailable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision:

• The Provost provides executive leadership and oversight for CSU’s academic enterprise, including a broad portfolio of senior academic and administrative leaders. This portfolio includes vice presidents, vice provosts, associate and assistant provosts, academic deans, and other senior leaders responsible for interdisciplinary initiatives, faculty governance, and academic operations.

Minimum Education:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree

Minimum Experience:

• Academic leadership experience at a Carnegie R1 university (doctoral – very high research activity) above the level of a department head/chair or in significant university-wide positions
• Distinguished academic and scholarly record consistent with an appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure at Colorado State University

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience

• Record of meaningful administrative and fiscal responsibility and leadership, evidenced by skills developed while successfully managing a large department, school or college, or as a university-wide administrator.
• Record of success working collaboratively, in teams, and with wide ranging groups of campus stakeholders and disciplines to accomplish bold initiatives
• Strong record of recruitment, development, and retention of faculty
• Demonstrated experience in supporting student success initiatives, including working with student affairs offices, creating alignment between academic enterprise and student support services
• Demonstrated success leading change through effective communication, collaboration, vision, flexibility, decisiveness, and action
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to establish credibility with broad-ranging internal and external constituents
• Experience successfully engaging in shared governance
• Experience with Hybrid-RCM or other academic budget models

Attributes and Competencies

• Innovative leader that is committed to making informed, strategic, compassionate, tough decisions.
• A leadership style that is open, inclusive, and transparent.
• Calm under pressure, excellent judgement, highly developed emotional intelligence, and a sense of humor.
• A deep understanding and commitment to the role of academic freedom in the classroom and in research, scholarship and creative artistry.
• Enthusiasm for CSU’s tripartite land-grant mission of education, research, and engagement and CSU’s role as a leading institution of higher education and research.

Application Instructions

• This position will be open until filled.
• For full consideration, apply by: February 23, 2026.
• 3-5 references will be requested at the finalist stage.
• Application materials should demonstrate education and experience that meets the requirements of the position.

Salary Range

$475,000 - $550,000

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.