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University of North Carolina Wilmington

Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States, 28412

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Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

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University of North Carolina Wilmington

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The University of North Carolina Wilmington (“UNCW”) seeks an outstanding, visionary, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as its next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs (“provost”). Reporting to the chancellor, the provost is the university’s chief academic officer, responsible for the strategic direction, administration, and oversight of all academic programs and initiatives. The next leader will build upon UNCW’s strong academic foundation and reputation for excellence. While ensuring excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, the provost will be a champion for academic integrity, an advocate for student, faculty, and staff success, and a trusted colleague who leads with transparency and purpose. The provost will support UNCW’s mission through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and operational excellence, while promoting a student-centered learning environment that integrates academic rigor with personal growth and wellbeing. Together with faculty, staff, and community partners, the provost will shape strategies that strengthen retention and graduation outcomes, expand research and creative activity, and position UNCW as a high-impact institution committed to regional impact and global engagement.

About the University

Widely celebrated as the state’s coastal university, the University of North Carolina Wilmington was established in 1947 as Wilmington College and joined the University of North Carolina System in 1969. Today, the university is a top national institution with nearly 19,900 students, more than 2,500 faculty and staff, 171 buildings and an ever-growing alumni network of more than 111,000.

UNCW has built a national and global profile while strengthening ties to the state, region, and local community. As one of 17 institutions in the UNC System, UNCW is a nationally recognized large public doctoral university with a private feel. The university offers numerous bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across its colleges and schools. Its main academic units are: Cameron School of Business, College of Health and Human Services, College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts, College of Science and Engineering, and Watson College of Education. Each college is united with a focus on applied learning, with emphasis on internships, research, study abroad, community-based projects, and other high-impact experiences that grow critical thinking and hands‑on skills.

UNCW is consistently recognized for excellence in academics and affordability and earned the elevated designation of “Doctoral University: High Research Activity” in recognition of efforts to advance research and scholarly activities. UNCW’s beautiful location on the Atlantic Ocean supports outstanding programs in coastal and marine sciences, including the new coastal engineering major — the only undergraduate program of its type in the U.S.

About the Team

Academic Affairs is the central division responsible for realizing the academic mission of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Through strong leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence, the division advances teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, and community engagement across the university.

Academic Affairs includes five academic colleges -- Cameron School of Business; College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; College of Science and Engineering; College of Health and Human Services; and Watson College of Education -- and oversees eight functional areas -- Administration and Resource Management; Global Partnerships and International Education; Graduate, Continuing, and Lifelong Education; Institutional Research and Planning; Research and Innovation; Student Engagement, Enrollment, and Retention; Teaching, Learning, and Library Services; and Undergraduate Education and Faculty Affairs -- as well as the Center for Marine Science.

Together, these units foster interdisciplinary collaboration, advance knowledge creation and dissemination, and strengthen student learning and success. Academic Affairs serves as a catalyst for innovation, empowering faculty, staff, and students to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to both local and global communities.

About the Role

The provost is the chief academic officer and spokesperson for UNCW’s academic mission, ensuring the quality, integrity, and innovation of all academic programs and initiatives. This senior leader is responsible for policy development, long‑range planning, budgeting, personnel, and strategic oversight of the Division for Academic Affairs.

In alignment with the university's strategic plan, the provost will:

implement the academic mission of the university

provide a stellar environment for faculty and staff that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, excellence in teaching, distinguished scholarship, innovative research and impactful community engagement

increase access and affordability for students

develop career‑ready students upon graduation

increase high‑impact, experiential learning opportunities for students

encourage students to think critically; develop problem‑solving and communication skills; foster an appreciation for all forms of scholarship; value lifelong learning

promote student success

position UNCW as a national leader in interdisciplinary teaching and learning

expand and elevate high demand academic programs and offerings

engage with the needs of our local community, region and state

expand regionally relevant and globally important research that addresses complex problems through interdisciplinary collaboration

expand global collaborations and partnerships to connect Wilmington and the world

lead effective academic policies, practices and programs

steward resources effectively and efficiently

modernize data and technology to advance data‑informed decision‑making

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills

Terminal degree and credentials to qualify for tenure at the rank of full professor.

Record of distinguished teaching, research, and service in a university setting.

Minimum of ten years of progressive leadership in academic administration.

Demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, shared governance, and transparency.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

Proven record of collaborative leadership and sound, data‑informed decision‑making.

Dedication to advancing student success and inclusive pedagogical practices.

Strong understanding of the relationships among enrollment management, tuition strategy, and program costs.

Experience leading institutional planning, assessment, and accreditation processes.

Fiscal acumen with the ability to align budgets and resources with strategic objectives.

Outstanding communication and relationship‑building skills across many audiences.

Experience as an academic dean or senior‑level university officer.

Record of successful external engagement, philanthropy, and community partnership.

Demonstrated ability to lead through change, with political and diplomatic skill appropriate to a public institution.

Visionary leadership that anticipates emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education.

Special Instructions

This position remains open until filled. Confidential review of candidates will begin immediately, with search committee evaluations and interviews taking place during the Spring 2026 semester. This is a full‑time onsite position in Wilmington, NC.

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Education

Industries

Higher Education

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

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