Search for Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Candidate Finalists Open Forums

Please join us at the open forum for each candidate. Share your feedback for each candidate via the links below. Feedback surveys will close at 5 p.m. CT on May 12.

Candidate Open Forum 1

  • Date: Monday, May 5
  • Time and Location: 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Hasselmann Alumni House
  • Zoom Webinar: --
  • Resume/CV: View Resume
  • Feedback: Share Your Feedback

Candidate Open Forum 2

Candidate Open Forum 3

About the Role

The Provost of Missouri University of Science and Technology sets an example of respect for all constituents of the university, holding the institution as a whole to the highest standards of conduct. The Provost plays an integral role in enhancing the research, teaching, and engagement activities, thereby furthering the ideals of the public land-grant and space-grant mission.

Reporting directly to Chancellor Mohammad Dehghani, the Provost serves as the Chief Academic Officer and senior member of the Chancellor’s leadership team responsible for implementing the University’s vision while ensuring academic excellence.

With a strong focus on maintaining growth in external funding for research and outreach, the Provost drives various initiatives regarding mutually beneficial industry and government partnerships and further development of tailored curricula development. In strong collaboration with academic units, centers, institutes and professional programs the Provost will provide synergy to support the University’s mission.

Further, the future Provost will engage and partner with University of Missouri System leadership and serve as a strong advocate for Missouri S&T. Our university has developed and adopted a transformative, collaborative, and transparent Strategic Plan. This new plan provides the Provost a map and an incredible opportunity to lead the outstanding work that happens daily at Missouri S&T. The Provost will look to build upon the existing traditions, further leverage the vibrant research distinctiveness of the campus and strengthen the university’s industry partnership and advancement efforts.

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The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734. 

Desired Qualifications
  • Proven track record of executive leadership in higher education, particularly within large, multifaceted academic institutions.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading academic units and advancing institutional goals.
  • Expertise in developing and executing academic strategies and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Ability to lead strategic evaluation efforts and implement data-driven improvements.
  • Strong background in advancing research, particularly in an interdisciplinary context, to foster academic and intellectual growth.
  • A deep understanding of pedagogy and a commitment to advancing student learning outcomes at all levels.
  • An approachable, collaborative, and transparent leadership style that values shared governance and community engagement.
  • Ability to communicate effectively across diverse groups, with a focus on empathy, integrity, and relationship-building.
  • Demonstrated success in managing fiscal and human resources effectively in an academic setting.
  • Ability to optimize the use of resources to support academic and research priorities.
  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusion within academic programs, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to resources and opportunities for success.
  • A genuine dedication to fostering academic achievement for all students, with a focus on providing the necessary support and guidance to help students from a variety of backgrounds achieve their full potential in both academic and career pursuits.
  • Experience working with state and national policymakers and understanding the
    role of government in higher education funding, policy, and regulation.
  • Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and represent academic interests effectively.
  • Proven success in leading or supporting fundraising initiatives, including building relationships with alumni, donors, and external partners to advance academic programs.
  • Forward-thinking and proactive in identifying and addressing academic trends, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Ability to lead the university through change and innovation with a long-term vision for success.

Search Committee Composition

A search committee will help recruit S&T’s provost and executive vice chancellor of Academic Affairs. Dr. Mehrzad Boroujerdi, the dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, and Sue Simmons, trustee and Kummer Missouri S&T Foundation board member will co-chair the search committee.

The search committee includes:

  • Dr. Kwame Awuah-Offei, professor and chair of mining and explosives engineering
  • Dr. David Bayless, professor and chair of mechanical and aerospace engineering
  • Dr. Casey Canfield, associate professor of engineering management and systems engineering
  • Martin De La Hunt, president of Student Council
  • Dr. Stephen Gao, professor and chair of earth sciences and engineering
  • Dr. Robin Gore, vice chancellor for Student Success
  • Dr. Smitty Grubbs, interim vice provost of graduate education and professor of chemistry
  • Dr. Kamal Khayat, vice chancellor for Research and Innovation
  • Dr. Shelley Minteer, director of the Kummer Institute Center for Resource Sustainability
  • Alysha O’Neil, vice chancellor for Finance and Operations
  • James Slone, Staff Council Communications Committee co-chair
  • Manoj Twarakavi, Graduate Council president
  • Dr. Dave Westenberg, president of Faculty Senate and professor of biology.