Illinois Institute of Technology — Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Illinois Institute of Technology seeks a collaborative, innovative and inclusive leader with a deep commitment to research excellence, an exceptional student experience, and access to serve as its next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
Founded in 1890, Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) was born different. It was built on the promise set forth in Minister Frank Wakeley Gunsaulus's "Million Dollar Sermon" to provide access to higher education for students from all different backgrounds and to make a difference in the world through technology-oriented education. This guiding mission and purpose—where students, including those underrepresented in technology, could prepare for meaningful roles in a changing industrial society and achieve professional and economic advancement—remains just as relevant today. Illinois Tech changes the course of students' lives and puts a strong emphasis on social mobility. Graduates attain some of Chicago's and the nation's highest post-college earnings. Compared with students at other Illinois universities, Illinois Tech students from the bottom 20 percent of incomes are most likely to move to the top 20 percent as adults, according to 2017 analysis by The Equality of Opportunity Project (now known as Opportunity Insights) and the New York Times. U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and Fiske Guide to Colleges have all named Illinois Tech an educational best value.
As Chicago's top-tier tech university and one of the 22 institutions that comprise the Association of Independent Technological Universities, Illinois Tech enrolls more than 3,100 top undergraduate students and approximately 3,400 talented graduate and professional students in seven colleges that are positioned in line with the global economy and the needs of the technology sector. The campus community has a distinctively global feel with just over one-third of students hailing from beyond the United States. Students are motivated, driven, and hardworking, and they are supported by a dedicated faculty of more than 400 scholars who are deeply committed to the teaching mission. Illinois Tech's research expenditures are $56 million, and each year faculty are awarded the highest honors in their fields.
Illinois Tech seeks in its next provost an inspirational and strategic leader who will engage authentically with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and with the broader Chicagoland community. The successful candidate will have the experience, skills, and knowledge to strengthen the university's standing and reputation and help to advance the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. The provost will be expected to oversee the growth, professional development, and diversification of Illinois Tech's faculty to strengthen its academic excellence. The successful candidate must have the intellectual vitality, a collegial and transparent leadership style, and the operational skills to lead within a complex technology and innovation focused institution. As the campus's chief academic leader, the provost will exhibit a passion for multi-disciplinary engagement and an exceptional ability to bring together faculty from across the university to leverage Illinois Tech's strengths, to forge new innovative and collaborative initiatives, research, and educational opportunities. The provost must also work to foster inclusivity and belonging, advocate effectively on behalf of the faculty, staff and students, and strengthen a culture of academic excellence, service to the community, and student success. A Ph.D. or earned terminal degree is required along with the experience and credentials to merit appointment as a tenured member of the Illinois Institute of Technology faculty. Prior experience at the level of provost, dean, vice/associate provost, or equivalent is preferred.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) statement. Please reference Appendix I of the leadership profile, which can be found at www.wittkieffer.com, for further details about the DEI statement.
WittKieffer is assisting Illinois Institute of Technology in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 20, 2023.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Suzanne Teer, Jessica Herrington and Luis Bertot
IllinoisTechProvost@wittkieffer.com
Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. It actively seeks applications from all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, creed, national origin, disability, age, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity and expression. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
Related: Academic Affairs • Illinois • Provost • SVP