The provost is an important deputy of the president, primarily in the area of academic programs, and holds delegated authority over all academic affairs of the university.
Equivalent to a vice president function managing the Division of Academic Affairs, the provost:
- Solves problems of the day and engages in planning to deliver high-quality instructional programs
- Oversees the hiring, review and welfare of the university faculty
- Builds fiscal year budgets and allocates funds to address priorities, especially in instruction, but also in academic support areas
- Attends meetings of the Board of Visitors, and works closely with the Faculty Senate, the Office of Human Resources and the chief of staff
- Is often a figure of final appeal for academic and faculty personnel matters
The provost is supported by a team of dedicated staff throughout the Division of Academic Affairs. The provost supervises the work of the:
- Four college deans
- Three vice provosts
- Director of faculty recruitment
- Assistant to the provost
- University librarian
- Manager of academic affairs budgets
Academic support and outreach centers typically report to the provost through their directors.
While the duties of the provost and his staff are many and varied, we take seriously our responsibility to serve new and continuing faculty by providing information and resources necessary to their and the university’s continued success.