Montana Technological University Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Search Profile

Montana Technological University Search Profile -Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs-

UNIVERSITY PROVOST/VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS DESCRIPTION

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS •

Respected, progressively responsible record of executive higher education academic leadership, one that demonstrates the kind of leadership skills needed to foster the academic progress and vitality of the University;

The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Provost) serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Montana Technological University. The Provost reports directly to the Chancellor and acts in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer of the institution in the absence of the Chancellor. The Provost’s duties include (but are not limited to):

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Enrollment management know-how for student success, from effective recruitment and matriculation through graduation;

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Passionate appreciation for research and building a vibrant research culture;

Academic leadership, Institutional integrity, Accreditation (both regional and degree-specific), Curriculum, Campus representative to external constituencies, Management of the campus degree portfolio, Staffing, Student services, and Faculty development/personnel.

The Provost works with the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, Deans, and the faculty/staff to carry out the mission of Montana Tech.

POSITION OVERVIEW The Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs reports to the Chancellor and serves as the chief academic officer with major responsibilities for strategic planning and guiding all aspects of teaching and learning in support of student success. The position also acts in the capacity of chief executive officer in the absence of the Chancellor. The Provost/VCAA is charged with establishing the academic vision for Montana Tech in pursuit of its mission, vision, and values through the contributions of the deans, faculty, staff, and their respective systems of support.

Montana Tech carries the prestige of being a Special Focus institution for the Montana University System with emphasis on engineering and related science and health specialties. Montana Tech comprises the College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies, the School of Mines and Engineering, and the Graduate School, offering bachelor and master’s degrees, along with a Ph.D. in Materials Science. Highlands College of Montana Tech invites students to pursue associate degrees and certificates. All degree offerings benefit from a tradition of high quality that has characterized Montana Tech since its founding in 1897. At this time, the Provost/VCAA has several direct reports, including the Dean of the School of Mines and Engineering; Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies; the Dean of Highlands College; and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. The Library Director, Director of the Institute for Educational Outreach, Director of Institutional Research, and the Director of Distance Learning also report to the Provost/VCAA. A creative, enterprising Provost/VCAA will work with a talented faculty and staff; they guide some 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The Montana Tech Orediggers compete in six intercollegiate sports as members of the NAIA Frontier Conference. Montana Tech is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is rated #1 in the nation for “Best Value Engineering Schools” and among “The Best 384 Colleges 2019 Edition.”

Deep understanding of curriculum and program development; Hands-on guidance and participation in strategic planning, including budgetary experience; Knowledge of innovative policy development and delivery in keeping with national education needs; Experience with accreditation demands at the national and regional levels; Collegial, supportive advocate for faculty and staff professional development; and The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. from a regionally accredited institution, preferably tenured in a STEM field. It also is preferred that this individual know the extensive duties of a deanship firsthand. The new Provost/VCAA should come with a record of academic and scholarly achievement sufficient to earn the respect of the academic community.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS It is important to the Montana Tech community that the Provost/VCAA be simultaneously committed to a balance of academic excellence and operational efficiencies. The University seeks an individual with strong communication and team-building skills. The applicant must be an innovative and engaging leader for students and faculty/staff, alike. Likewise, she or he must value the tenets of shared governance in a collective bargaining environment. This individual will work to develop strategies to support diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

She or he should bring a collaborative, inspirational presence to the University and work in tandem with the Chancellor to achieve a shared vision.

ABOUT MONTANA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY Opening in 1900 as the Montana State School of Mines, Montana Tech’s funding and land came from the Enabling Act of 1889, which admitted Montana to the Union and allocated 100,000 acres of public land to establish a state school of mines. The school opened with one building, Main Hall, and offered two degrees: mining engineering and electrical engineering. Today, Montana Tech specializes in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, and healthcare disciplines and repeatedly has been recognized among the top universities in America. Montana Tech is the Special Focus Four-Year University within the Montana University System (MUS).

Montana Tech’s north campus offers four-year and graduate degrees. Many of Montana Tech’s engineering programs are not only unique to the region but are also among only a few in the country. For example, Montana Tech is one of ten universities offering a BS degree in metallurgical engineering, one of nineteen that offer a BS degree in mining engineering, and one of only twenty that offer a BS in petroleum engineering.

Montana Tech also offers the more traditional engineering programs including mechanical, civil, electrical, and environmental engineering. In addition, Montana Tech also offers non-engineering degree and certificate programs that other Montana University System (MUS) units do not offer such as BS degrees in interdisciplinary arts and sciences, network technology, and a certificate in pre-apprenticeship lineman. A number of Montana Tech’s non-engineering programs have specialized accreditation/certification from entities such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) and The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The University’s south campus, Highlands College, is a comprehensive two-year college embedded within Montana Tech. Highlands offers associate degrees and certificate programs, continuing education, and customized training. Highlands College allows graduates to enter the workforce immediately, or earn credits that may be transferred to a 4-year degree program.

The campus is home to the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) whose state agency mandate is to collect and publish information on Montana’s geology to promote orderly and responsible development of Montana’s energy, groundwater, and mineral resources. The MBMG provides these services to the public and a variety of constituents within the private sector, as well as federal, state, and local governments.

The MBMG’s research faculty also closely collaborate with the academic faculty on research and in the mentoring of graduate students.

CALLOUTS www.mtech.edu Location: Butte, MT

AWARDS & HONORS

Montana Tech has been recognized for its exceptional educational experience in many ways, including the following:

Founded: 1900 Mascot: Orediggers Athletic Conference: Frontier Men’s Teams: basketball, football, golf, cross country Women’s Teams: basketball, golf, volleyball, cross country

STUDENTS (fall 2018)

#1

#1

#1

Best Value College in Montana

University for Advancing America’s Economy

in the Nation for Best Value Engineering Schools

Edsmart.org

BestValueSchools.com

SmartAsset

One of the Hardest Working Colleges in America

2020 Best Western College

6 Goldwater Scholars

TOP

U.S. College that Pays Off CNBC Make It-2019

Headcount: 2,583 Undergraduate: 2,330 Graduate: 253 students In-state: 74.7% (from 51 counties) Out-of-state: 17.5% (from 43 states) International: 7.8% international

(from 17 countries)

Average ACT: 24.3

CareerTrend.com

2019 Military Friendly School Victory Media

The Princeton Review

DEGREES AWARDED (2017-2018) Certificates: 62 Associate Degrees: 58

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MISSION

VISION

Bachelor’s Degrees: 453

Montana Tech, through exemplary undergraduate and graduate education, workforce development, research, and service, builds on a strong heritage in engineering, science, and technology that blends theory with practice in meeting the changing needs of society and the responsible development and use of natural resources.

To be a leader for undergraduate and graduate education and research in the Pacific Northwest in engineering, science, energy, health, information sciences, and technology.

Doctorate: 3

Master’s Degrees: 89

TOP

STEM School Learn.org, 2019

92.23%

#1

Overall Career Outcomes Rate

BSN Nursing School in Montana

May 2018 Graduates

RN Careers.org, 2019

#1

Top College in Montana For Highest Paid Graduates Zippia, Inc. 2019

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ACADEMIC COLLEGES

The university is organized into four colleges: College of Letters, Sciences, & Professional Studies (CLSPS); Highlands College; School of Mines & Engineering; and the Graduate School. Within these colleges, Montana Tech offers 11 certificates, 13 associate degrees, 25 bachelor’s degree programs, 13 master’s programs, and 1 doctoral program.

Find information, please visit the following websites:

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College of Letters, Sciences & Professional Studies: https://www.mtech.edu/clsps/index.html Graduate School: https://www.mtech.edu/gradschool/index.html Highlands College: https://www.mtech.edu/highlands/index.html School of Mines and Engineering: https://www.mtech.edu/mines-engineering/index.html

AUTHORITY Montana Tech is part of the Montana University System and governed by the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education through its constitutional authority to operate public higher education in Montana.

Montana Tech has a Chancellor, who serves as the full-time executive officer and reports to the Montana Commissioner of Higher Education. Montana Tech awards certificates, certificates of applied science, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, graduate certificates, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.

For more information about the MUS, please visit https://mus.edu/.

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ACCREDITATION

STRATEGIC PLAN

Montana Tech’s accreditation is through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

All of Montana Tech’s engineering programs, computer science, occupational health & safety, and industrial hygiene are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Montana Tech’s baccalaureate degree program in nursing holds accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Montana Tech’s Strategic Plan, A Commitment to Excellence, focused on four themes: Education and Excellence, Student Achievement, Engaged Faculty, and The Montana Tech Community. Explore the strategic plan at https://www.mtech.edu/about/strategic-plan/.

INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP Dr. Les Cook became the 12th leader of Montana Tech in July of 2019. He is focused on advancing Montana Tech while listening, learning, and engaging with all Montana Tech constituents. Before his appointment as chancellor on July 1, 2019, he spent 16 years at Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) in Houghton, Michigan. At Michigan Tech, he held numerous leadership positions including vice president for strategic university partnerships, vice president for student affairs and advancement, vice president for student affairs, and vice provost and dean of students. He led advancement, alumni engagement, athletics, dean of students, enrollment management, student affairs and university marketing and communications.

Under Cook’s leadership Michigan Tech experienced significant increases in enrollment, student success and fundraising. Cook was named a NASPA Pillar of the Profession in 2016. Prior to Michigan Tech, Dr. Cook held positions at the University of the Pacific, University of Utah, and Salt Lake Community College.

Dr. Cook holds a doctorate of education in educational leadership from Brigham Young University; a master’s degree in social science and a bachelor of science in political science from Utah State University. Dr. Cook also completed Harvard University’s Institute on Educational Management.

Cook is actively involved with a number of professional and student service associations. He is chair-elect of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Foundation Board and former region IV-East vice president, and NASPA national board member. Cook served as chair of the chief student affairs officers group for the Michigan Association of State Universities and is on the board for Student Affairs Today.

Cook has long served as a lead faculty member for the LeaderShape Institute, is a lifetime member of the National Orientation Directors Association, has been an active member of the Association for Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU), and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

RESEARCH Montana Tech’s commitment to research has resulted in significant growth over the past few years to exceed $13 million annually from local, state, and national agencies and the private sector. Research specialties emphasize natural resources engineering, materials science and engineering, energy, geosciences and water, restoration ecology and environmental engineering, health and bioscience. Distinctive research infrastructure includes an on-campus underground mine; the Center for Advanced Mineral, Metallurgical, and Materials Processing; a High Performance Computer with 3-D visualization; and the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. Projects involve undergraduates and graduate students working closely with faculty.

BUDGET Montana Tech’s fiscal year 2019 budget totaled $76.3 million. State appropriation and millage totaled $15.4 million, tuition and fees at $16.3M, plant funds total $18.4 million (with $11.2M going towards the completion of the LLC), and $14M in restricted (with $9 million research related). The remainder comes from a variety of sources that include designated and auxiliary funds along with interest income and other activities.

Cook was actively involved in his community in Michigan serving on the Houghton Downtown Guidance Team, Dial Help board of directors and the Keweenaw Community Foundation Board.

Montana Tech’s executive team consists of the Chancellor; the Provost/Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs; Dr. Beverly Hartline, Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School; Mr. Joe McClafferty, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and University Relations and President of the Montana Tech Foundation; Dr. Carrie Vath, Dean of Students/Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment; Mrs. Carleen Cassidy, Director of Finance and Budget; Mr. Matt Stepan, Athletic Director; Victoria Pagan, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor; and. For more information about the executive team, visit https://www.mtech.edu/about/administration.html.

FACULTY & STAFF Montana Tech and the MBMG have 494 total employees; excluding student employees. Montana Tech has 175 full-time and 58 part-time instructional and research faculty members. With an environment that encourages faculty-student interaction, Montana Tech undergraduate and graduate students are frequently involved with faculty and staff in research programs. Montana Tech’s 261 staff members are dedicated to the success of the University.

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ALUMNI Organized in 1904, the Montana Tech Alumni Association has 14,121 living alumni, of which 49% live in Montana. Many Montana Tech alumni come from ordinary beginnings and go on to lead extraordinary lives serving in leadership positions within their organizations. They are working and living in Montana, across the United States, and around the world.

Montana Tech is fortunate to receive strong support from its alumni.

Seventeen percent of Montana Tech alumni are actively engaged with the University through student mentorship, student recruitment, guest lecturers, boards, and employing interns. In addition, Montana Tech has 14 active alumni chapters across the United States and Canada extending Montana Tech’s footprint and raising scholarship funds for their area.

MONTANA TECH FOUNDATION

The Montana Tech Foundation is an independent, nonprofit fundraising partner of Montana Tech. They seek to grow philanthropic support of campus through coordinated outreach to alumni, friends, and industry.

The Foundation works with the University to identify strategic priorities where private funds can play a decisive role in moving the campus forward.

Governed by an international Board of Directors, the Foundation President leads the organization and serves on the Chancellor’s Leadership Team.

The Chancellor serves on the Foundation Board in an ex officio capacity.

Through the creation and delivery of creative, high-quality messaging, events, and opportunities to give, the Montana Tech Foundation has been able to increase the levels of philanthropic support raised and provided to campus each year while also growing engagement and participation.

The campaign, Ordinary Beginnings, Extraordinary Futures, is in its final stages and the Foundation expects a successful conclusion exceeding the established $40 million goal within the year. The Foundation is particularly proud of the physical transformation of campus through nearly $40 million in capital improvements over the past decade.

Improvements include the 100% privately supported University Relations Center and Digger Turf and public/private partnerships for construction of the Natural Resources Building, Natural Resource Research Center, and soon to be completed Student Success Center.

MONTANA TECH FOUNDATION FINANCES FY18:

MAKING AN IMPACT Montana Tech affects not only the community of Butte but also the entire state of Montana. The University significantly impacts the overall economy with an estimated $98 million in overall economic spending and earnings and provides an estimated $6.6 million of state taxes.

THE RICHEST HILL ON EARTH TOTAL ASSETS: $49,610,748

TOTAL DISTRIBUTION TO CAMPUS: $4,882,999

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GIVING:

$4,931,605

ENDOWMENT VALUE: $40,730,649

Butte, Montana has progressed through times of change and yet maintained its sense of community. Butte, the first major city in Montana, was at one time, the largest city west of the Mississippi River between Chicago and San Francisco. From its early days as a mining camp, to the rise of the Copper Kings and the resulting birth of the labor movement, through the industrialization and decline of mining, and down to a present marked by an environmental and urban renaissance, Butte’s history is as colorful and diverse as the landscape of Montana.

The Mining City offers many summer festivals and a gateway to Montana outdoor opportunities.

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OUTDOOR RECREATION

ARTS & CULTURE

Located at 5,518 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains, Butte is minutes from the Continental Divide and Montana’s headwater streams. Butte serves as a springboard to almost 4 million acres of state and federal public land open to both summer and winter recreation. There are always high quality adventures minutes from the city, whether you have a few hours or several days to spend. Bring your favorite gear and head outdoors, then relax amid Butte’s unique and vibrant history. Many adventures await:

Butte is known as the Festival City with a growing community of arts and culture. The Butte Symphony is the oldest symphony in Montana and has been a cornerstone of the SW Montana art and music scene for almost 70 years.

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Fish the Big Hole River Mountain bike in Thompson Park Ski in Southwest Montana Enjoy the publicly accessed trail systems Backpack in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Hike on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Butte hosts a number of festivals throughout the year that include St. Patrick’s Day Parade, SNoFLINGA, the Montana Folk Festival, An Ri Ra Irish Festival, and the Covellite International Film Festival. Monthly art walks, summer farmer’s markets, and live music and entertainment are also offered throughout the year.

Explore more about Butte at the following:

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Butte Chamber of Commerce: http://www.buttechambersite.org/ Butte Local Development Corporation: http://www.bldc.net/ Butte. Elevated: http://butteelevated.com The City-County of Butte Silver Bow: http://www.co.silverbow.mt.us/

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NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATION PROCESS Montana Technological University offers the next Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs the privilege of being part of a unique, student-focused academic community. To assure best consideration, applications should be received by November 7, 2019. The application should include a letter of interest (3 pages or fewer) addressing the applicant’s background in relationship to qualifications described; a résumé (or curriculum vitae); and the names of five professional references with each person’s position, office or home address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant. The new Provost/VCAA will be identified by January 2020.

The search is being assisted by James H. McCormick, jim.mccormick@agbsearch.com, 651-238-5188, and Janice S. Fitzgerald, janice.fitzgerald@agbsearch.com, 717-580-0663, AGB Search. Nominations and applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to montanatechprovost@agbsearch. com. Additional University information may be found at www.mtech.edu/provost-search.

UNIVERSITY EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form located on the employment page and email to humanresources@mtech.edu.

You must include the job title of the position for which you are applying. To request an accommodation, contact Cathy Isakson 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu.

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