Montana Technological University seeks a creative, enterprising leader with vision and energy to serve as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. Reporting to the Chancellor, the Provost/EVC 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. In addition to being responsible for the academic programs across the institution, this senior officer oversees the areas of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The Provost/EVC acts in the capacity of chief executive officer in the absence of the Chancellor. The new Provost/EVC will have a preferred start date of July 1, 2024.

About the University

Opening in 1900 as the Montana State School of Mines, Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) received funding and land 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. Today, Montana Tech is a premier STEM-focused institution and carries the prestige of being a Special Focus Institution for the Montana University System with an emphasis on engineering and the life and health sciences. 

Dr. Les Cook has served as Chancellor of Montana Tech since 2019. Under his leadership, the institution has undergone significant organizational realignment, broadened engagement of faculty, staff, and students in developing strategic initiatives, and enhanced its supportive environment for learning and working. The strategic plan, Deliberately Distinct: Positioning Montana Tech for the Future, was launched in 2022 and is in the implementation stages with its strategic enrollment plan underway.

Consistently recognized among the top universities in the country, Montana Tech is rated #1 in the nation for “Best Value Engineering Schools,” has the #1 ranked Nursing program in Montana, and is the state’s top-ranked college in Forbes magazine’s 2022 “America’s Top Colleges List.” Of special note, the institution provides students with the highest return on their educational investment of any institution in the state of Montana. Coupled with its internationally renowned, century-old tradition of excellence in higher education, its remarkable location in the heart of one of Montana’s richest historical and cultural communities, and its easy access to some of the best outdoor recreation in the country, Montana Tech shines bright among higher educational institutions.

Montana Tech currently serves 2,321 students across its four schools and colleges—Lance College of Mines and Engineering; College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies; Graduate School; and Highlands College. While 79 percent of the students are Montana residents, the student body presents a national and global snapshot with over 40 states and 15 foreign countries represented.

The institution offers certificate programs and associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, along with two Ph.D. degrees. In addition to in-class learning, the institution offers two online graduate degree programs and a growing number of online courses at the undergraduate level. 

Highlands College houses all of Montana Tech’s career-ready and transfer programs that help meet important workforce needs in Montana and beyond. From certificates and associate degrees to community education and customized training, Highlands offers hands-on professional programs that lead to skills in current and emerging high-demand careers. Through the Dual Enrollment program, high school students can earn college credits while completing their high school studies. The College has developed new credentialing and other opportunities to meet employment needs in the region.

Montana Tech’s commitment to research has resulted in an unprecedented growth in its funded research over the last several years. The institution’s funding base has diversified to include local, state, and national support from the private sector and the government alike. Undergraduate and graduate students are frequently involved with faculty and staff in research programs. Research areas range from small mammal studies in biology to power grid reliability in electrical engineering to environmental remediation and new methods for developing oil, gas, and mineral deposits.

The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, the geologic and hydrogeologic research arm of the State of Montana, is a department of the institution. The Bureau provides public service to various constituents within the private sector and federal, state, and local governments. The Bureau develops, gathers, analyzes, catalogs, and disseminates information concerning the location and development of the mineral, energy, and water resources of Montana.

The Division of Student Affairs provides services that create a supportive campus environment that fosters engagement, academic success, and personal development within a diverse community of learners. From the Academic Center for Excellence to Student Engagement to Student Life, Student Affairs ensures students have supportive services throughout their educational career at the institution.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor 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. Through a creative and enterprising workstyle, the Provost/EVC values the talents, expertise, and experience of faculty and staff as they support and guide students in their educational pursuits.

The Provost/EVC has ten direct reports: the Dean of the Lance College of Mines and Engineering; the Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences, and Professional Studies; the Dean of Highlands College; the Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of Students; the Executive Director of Admissions and Enrollment; the Library Director; the Director of Information Technology; the Director of the Institute for Educational Outreach; the Director of Institutional Research, and the Director of the Center for Academic Innovation.

The Provost/EVC will focus on positioning the institution to accomplish the goals of Montana Tech’s new strategic plan through thoughtful strategies and priorities.

All candidates who are considered for the position can find their interview schedule and bio below.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

Candidate must have a Ph.D. degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited institution, along with a record of academic and scholarly achievement sufficient to earn the respect of the academic community. First-hand experience with the extensive duties of a deanship is preferred.

The successful candidate also must have the following qualifications:

  • Have a respected, progressively responsible record of executive higher education academic leadership that demonstrates the leadership skills needed to foster the academic progress and vitality of the university.
  • Ability to provide intentional and strategic leadership and vision to senior level direct reports.
  • Have an understanding of enrollment management that fosters student success, from effective recruitment and matriculation through graduation.
  • Demonstrate appreciation for research and building a vibrant research culture.
  • Demonstrate an extensive understanding of curriculum and program development.
  • Have experience to provide hands-on guidance and participation in strategic planning, including budgetary experience.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of innovative policy development and delivery in keeping with national education needs.
  • Have experience with accreditation processes and demands at the national and regional levels.
  • Be a collegial, supportive advocate for faculty and staff professional development.
  • Demonstrate commitment to the tenets of shared governance in a collective bargaining environment.
  • Demonstrate commitment to develop strategies to support diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the university strategic plan and ability to fully engage in the life of the university.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Have an understanding of workforce development and two-year education.
  • Demonstrated commitment to a balance of academic excellence and operational efficiencies.
  • Have strong communication and team-building skills.
  • Be an innovative and engaging leader for students and faculty/staff, alike.


APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

Applications

  1. Application packet must include the following:
    1. A letter of interest (3 pages or less) addressing the applicant’s background in relationship to qualifications described
    2. Current curriculum vitae or résumé
    3. 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.)
  2. Submit application packet (preferably as PDFs) to MTU-Provost@myersmcrae.com by March 1, 2024 for best consideration. Additional information will be requested upon receipt of application. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Nominations

Submit nominations to MTU-Provost-nominate@myersmcrae.com with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

Special Note

If the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act applies to you, be sure you complete the employment (veteran’s) preference form and e-mail the completed form to humanresources@mtech.edu.

Learn More About Montana Tech
The Lance College of Mines and Engineering building at Montana Tech
Lance College of Mines & Engineering

The Lance College of Mines and Engineering has a century-long history of educating graduates to solve some of the world's most challenging and complex problems. Our world-class faculty bring real-world experience to classrooms and labs, works with you in hands-on discovery, and collaborates on research.

The Lesar Family Nursing Simulation Center building at Montana Tech
College of Letters, Sciences & Professional Studies

The College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies houses a diverse number of programs that includes the sciences and mathematics as well as nursing, business, and information technology.

Students in a lab emitting green light
Graduate School

Our graduate programs equip students with the ‘hands-on’ know how that will be essential to solve the vast societal challenges in energy, environment, materials, and health. Even as the sum total of documented STEM knowledge is now available at our fingertips, the answers to the emerging societal challenges require synthesis of new ideas. Thus, ingenuity, creativity, and entrepreneurship will be required of tomorrow’s STEM leaders, and Montana Tech strives to instill these attributes in our students.

Highlands College building at Montana Tech
Highlands College

Highlands College is home to all Montana Tech career-ready and transfer programs that help build the workforce we need in Butte and Montana.

Two female students being assisted at a help desk
Student Affairs

At Montana Tech, our students are our number one priority. Whatever you need, our team is here for you. Our service team strives to help you succeed academically and in life.

College students walking on campus
Strategic Plan

Deliberately Distinct summarizes our strategic plan. The plan provides a platform for fulfilling our special focus to meet the needs of our students, Montana, and humanity as a whole.

Montana Tech Strategic Plan
Deliberately Distinct: Positioning Montana Tech for the Future 

Deliberately Distinct summarizes Montana Technological University’s new strategic plan. This plan provides a platform for fulfilling our special focus to meet the needs of our students, the state of Montana, and humanity as a whole. With a long history of success, this plan not only positions us for the future, but accelerates our commitment to students, distinctive programs, and a robust and healthy campus culture.

The goals within the strategic plan are:

Goal 1: Student Success

Decidedly distinctive, refreshingly affordable, and intentionally innovative, our robust academic programs, services, and learning environment position students at the center of all we do by focusing on accessibility, engagement, and employability from first impression through graduation and beyond.

Goal 2: Programs of Distinction

Deliberately committed to excellence in all programs, we provide transformational experiences in learning, research, and service through experiential learning, mentoring, community, and industry engagement. We empower collaborative problem solvers, determined doers who make an impact in their profession and our world.

Goal 3: Healthy and Vibrant Campus Ecosystem

Opportunistic and innovative, we embrace our rich cultural heritage and abundant recreational environment to foster an inclusive and sustainable campus ecosystem. We provide exceptional service and invest in effective infrastructure that creates opportunities for social, intellectual, and professional growth.

 

Montana Technological University 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 Technological University 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. To request an accommodation, contact Cathy Isakson 406-496-4380; cisakson@mtech.edu.

Connect with Us

Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is assisting with the search.