Job Details

Portland State University (PSU or Portland State) seeks its next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs to lead the academic mission at this thriving, urban research institution of public higher education. The University is setting out on an exciting new chapter of its history, with new leadership and a changing diverse landscape. This position represents an outstanding opportunity for a dynamic, experienced academic leader to partner with the new President, his executive council, and the deans of PSU's schools and colleges, to launch PSU into its next level of academic excellence while continuing to serve its unique access mission and develop a new generation of leaders for the region and beyond.

Located in the heart of Oregon's economic and cultural center, Portland State is the most diverse four-year academic institution in Oregon. PSU enrolls approximately 28,000 students from every state in the nation and more than 80 foreign countries in 88 bachelor's, 88 master's, and 37 doctoral programs. Founded in 1946, PSU is hailed by The Princeton Review as one of the best colleges and universities in the West. The University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and all programs are accredited by professional bodies. PSU encompasses eight primary divisions: the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; College of Urban & Public Affairs; Graduate School of Education; Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science; School of Business; School of Social Work; and OHSU-PSU School of Public Health; as well as the University Library, University Honors College, and Department of University Studies. A Carnegie Doctoral Research University (High Intensity), PSU has grown its sponsored research in recent years, with $62.5 million in research expenditures in 2015. From a vibrant campus spanning 50 buildings in downtown Portland, PSU is an integral part of the Metro area.

As an urban university, PSU has a deep commitment to promoting and supporting diversity, providing access to education to a broad spectrum of communities, and applying innovative higher education learning directly to the challenges often found in large metropolitan areas. Building upon its strengths, and drawing upon its central location in one of the most dynamic cities in the nation, PSU forges effective partnerships within its community, the region, and beyond, serving as a nexus for interdisciplinary and experiential learning and research. Through this collaboration, PSU and its partners develop holistic and practical solutions with innovative and multidisciplinary approaches to serve not only the citizens of the Portland area, but also those living in the ever increasing number of cities around the globe looking for innovative paths forward in growth management, sustainability, and equity. In recognition of its efforts, U.S. News & World Report has again ranked PSU among the top 10 “most innovative” national universities in its Best Colleges 2017 rankings. To learn more about PSU, please visit www.pdx.edu.

PSU stands at a remarkable moment in its history: led by a new and energetic President, the institution is making excellent progress toward its compelling vision of becoming a globally distinguished urban research university that values access and diversity. The successful candidate for the Provost will be an academic leader with the experience to seize this unique moment, to engage effectively with and motivate deans, faculty, staff, and students across the University to align their respective academic missions to help Portland State fulfill its bold aspirations.

This position represents an opportunity for an experienced academic leader and scholar with outstanding management and communication skills to elevate this unique public urban university to the next level of academic excellence in research and education. The next Provost will address the following set of key opportunities and challenges presented by this role:

• Champion PSU's mission on a path to distinctive academic excellence;


• Work collaboratively with all to advance and focus a forward-looking, high-quality, cross-disciplinary academic agenda;


• Ensure an outstanding and inclusive education for all students;


• Elevate PSU's visibility and unique identity through academic partnerships to benefit the metro region, Oregon, and beyond.

Portland State University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more details, including the full position profile and to submit inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications, please see the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: www.imsearch.com/6461. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Deborah Hodson, Sheila Burgess, Ludi Chow, and Nicole Peurifoy

Isaacson, Miller

1000 Sansome Street, Suite 300

San Francisco, CA 94111

Phone: 415.655.4900

Fax: 415.655.4905

Portland State University is an equal opportunity employer

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