OVERVIEW
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) invites nominations and applications for the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Provost will be a champion for academic excellence and student success, a collaborative leader with an excellent track record of working in consultative environments, and an experienced administrator with a history of leading with vision, creativity, and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic and talented leader to advance the University during an exciting time of change and transformation.
THE UNIVERSITY
Cal State LA is a comprehensive, public four-year university ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. The University is located in the heart of Los Angeles, a region renowned for its vibrant cultural mix, its innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, and its role as the world’s entertainment capital. Cal State LA is one of 23 universities in the California State University (CSU) System, the largest and most diverse university system in the nation. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement and service for the public good. It offers a transformative education that capitalizes on the exceptional opportunities provided by its location in Los Angeles. Our outstanding, award-winning faculty have been recognized for their teaching, scholarship, and dedication to the success of their students. The University’s first comprehensive capital fundraising campaign, “We Are LA: The Campaign for Cal State LA,” highlights the unique relationship the University shares with Los Angeles. The Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) named Cal State LA as an educational anchor institution for fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that support thriving and progressive communities throughout the region.
Since its founding in 1947, Cal State LA has provided ladders of opportunity for first-generation college students, veterans, immigrants, and families throughout Los Angeles. Cal State LA is a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI), and is home to the nation’s first Chicano Studies Department, and second Pan-African Studies Department. The University’s student body reflects the diversity and vibrancy of Los Angeles. Cal State LA serves nearly 27,000 students, the majority of whom are Latinx. More than 82% come from Los Angeles, with 75% from within a 14-mile radius of the University. In 2019, Cal State LA awarded 7,000 degrees, the greatest number in the history of the University. The Class of 2019 joins the more than 245,000 Cal State LA alumni who fuel the progress of our region.
Washington Monthly’s 2019 College Ranking Guide named Cal State LA in the top 10 in both its “Top Master’s Universities” and “Best Bang for the Buck Western Colleges” categories. U.S. News & World Report 2020 Best Colleges ranks Cal State LA 12th among top public regional universities in the West. In the past six years, Cal State LA has risen 65 spots among all private and public regional universities in the West, according to U.S.News & World Report. The University is home to many academic programs that have garnered national recognition. The National Science Foundation lists Cal State LA as the top baccalaureate institution of origin for Latino science and engineering Ph.D. recipients among all undergraduate and master’s colleges and universities in the continental U.S. Led by the Center for Effective Teaching and Learning (CETL), Cal State LA is recognized as a national model for exemplary pedagogical training initiatives that contribute to improved student outcomes. In 2019, the WASC Senior College and University Commission awarded Cal State LA accreditation for 10 years, the maximum term.
Cal State LA serves the region through its many innovative programs, institutes, centers, and initiatives. The Pat Brown Institute (PBI) for Public Affairs is dedicated to civic engagement and is one of the most respected public policy institutes in California. Cal State LA BioSpace provides emerging entrepreneurs with facilities, resources, training, and knowledge to launch startup ventures and spur regional economic development. Cal State LA’s Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility is at the forefront of California’s efforts to become a national leader in the use of zero-emission vehicles. The University’s Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center is the largest municipal, regional collaborative crime center in the U.S., bringing together the crime labs of the Los Angeles Police and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Departments and housing the Cal State LA School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics, and the California Forensic Science Institute. The Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good is a hub for regional community and service initiatives, including California’s only in-person B.A. degree completion program for students incarcerated in state prison. Cal State LA is also the site of the Los Angeles Football Club Performance Center and soccer operations headquarters, as well as the Billie Jean King Sports Complex.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Cal State LA’s Strategic Plan outlines the University’s vision for the future,
including its values and strategic priorities.
Engagement, Service, and the Public Good: Graduate civic-minded students equipped for and
committed to engagement, service, and the public good.
Welcoming and Inclusive Campus: Nurture a welcoming and inclusive campus where students,
faculty, and staff thrive and community is honored and cultivated.
Student Success: Create a positive, holistic student experience with a clear and timely path to a
high-quality degree.
Academic Distinction: Provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs and
investment in faculty who are uniquely committed to educating a diverse student body.
THE POSITION
Reporting directly to the President, William A. Covino, the Provost serves as the chief academic officer of Cal State LA. The Provost is responsible for directing and forming the University’s academic mission, and leading the Division of Academic Affairs. The Division of Academic Affairs includes eight existing colleges and a new College of Ethnic Studies in development; the University Library; the Office of Undergraduate Studies; the Office of Graduate Studies; Faculty Affairs; Enrollment Services; the Office of Planning and Budget; Institutional Research and Effectiveness; the Office of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; and the Center for Effective Teaching and Learning (CETL).
The existing colleges:
- College of Arts & Letters
- College of Business and Economics
- Charter College of Education
- College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology
- Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services
- College of Natural and Social Sciences
- College of Professional and Global Education
- Honors College
The ideal Provost candidate is an academic leader with a vision for how a comprehensive urban university can best serve its students and community in a rapidly changing national educational landscape. The next Provost will be a strategic leader with both long-range vision and respect for shared governance and teamwork. The Provost must enhance the University’s academic excellence and must effectively communicate its mission both within and beyond the campus.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Promote academic excellence throughout the University.
- Work with the President and University stakeholders to develop and communicate clear, compelling academic aspirations for Cal State LA.
- Collaborate with the President, Deans, faculty, students, and other academic and administrative leaders to define academic priorities and develop strategies for achieving goals.
- Foster a vibrant learning community by facilitating and supporting collaboration and communication across the University.
- Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion and support the needs of all students.
- Maintain a strong and visible presence in the University community and promote Cal State LA’s mission, values, and interests to all stakeholders.
- Partner with the Vice President for University Advancement and academic leadership to enhance philanthropic and private support.
- Cultivate strong, effective working relationships with administrators, faculty, and staff.
- Ensure that the Provost’s office is responsive to opportunities and concerns across the campus.
- Maintain a leadership style that is open, collegial, and consultative.
- Provide dynamic, visionary leadership that builds upon academic and programmatic strengths, while exploring and developing new opportunities.
- Manage the academic budgeting process, anticipating costs and prioritizing needs.
- Foster a work environment that promotes diversity, recognizes and rewards performance, builds confidence, and encourages interaction and teamwork.
- Serve on behalf of the President and University as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
- An earned doctorate and/or terminal professional degree, and a strong and established record of academic accomplishment.
- A comprehensive understanding of, respect for, and commitment to the mission of a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) or a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
- A history of innovative and effective leadership in a consultative academic environment.
- A collegial, consultative, collaborative, and decisive management style.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to work well with individuals at all levels of the organization.
- Excellent listening skills; strong personal integrity, and work ethic, coupled with an informed sense of perspective.
- A champion of both teaching and research.
- A desire to deeply engage in the local and University communities.
- A commitment to diversity, intercultural understanding, inclusive institutional excellence, and global engagement.
- A well-developed ability to gauge academic quality and an appreciation for the vital importance of hiring and promotion decisions in creating and sustaining excellence in the University.
- An understanding of fiscal planning, resource allocation, and accountability to fulfill the priorities of the University.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Cal State LA has retained R. William Funk & Associates to consult with the Search Committee on this important search. Review of nominations and applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. All inquiries, nominations/referrals, and applications (including curriculum vitae and letters of interest) should be sent electronically and in confidence to the address below by Jan. 30, 2020 to receive optimal consideration.
Cal State LA Provost Search
R. William Funk & Associates
2911 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Suite 300
Dallas, Texas 75219
[email protected]
Cal State LA is an Equal Opportunity/Title IX Employer.