Description

The University of Vermont (UVM) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of provost and senior vice president, a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a distinctive public research university at a moment of profound possibility and responsibility.

UVM stands at a pivotal inflection point. In 2025, the University achieved R1 Research Activity designation, joining the nation's most research-intensive institutions. In parallel, under the leadership of President Marlene Tromp, UVM has articulated an ambitious, values-forward strategic direction through Green, Gold, and Bold: Green Mountains, Gold Standard, Bold Future—a plan that calls upon the university to lead with principle, imagination, and public purpose.

President Tromp has framed higher education as a moral and civic force, essential to sustaining democratic values, protecting knowledge and inquiry, and addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. She has emphasized leadership grounded in courage, compassion, and renewal—recognizing that moments of disruption and strain can also serve as catalysts for meaningful transformation. The provost will be a central partner in advancing this vision across the academic enterprise.

As UVM's chief academic officer, the provost will serve as the academic leader of the campus, with responsibility for faculty and academic affairs, the colleges and schools, student life and services, and a range of university-wide offices, centers, and programs. Working closely with the president and academic leadership, the provost will guide the university through the opportunities and complexities of its transformative initial years as an R1 institution while preserving UVM's longstanding commitments to excellent teaching, shared governance, access, and public engagement as Vermont's land grant university.

UVM seeks a provost who combines academic stature, systems thinking, and values centered leadership—someone who can inspire trust, clear pathways for progress, and work with faculty and academic leaders to move ambitious ideas into implementation with clarity, accountability, and shared ownership. Of particular importance is the ability to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy within the academic enterprise, enabling change to move forward with momentum, clarity, and a renewed sense of optimism and joy in the work.

This is an opportunity to lead at an institution where scale enables meaningful connection, where faculty know their students, collaboration is a daily practice, and leadership is grounded in relationships. The provost's leadership will shape not only the university's academic direction, but also its contribution to the future of Vermont, the nation, and higher education at large.

Applications can be submitted through WittKieffer Candidate Portal. Applicants should submit, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest addressing the themes outlined in the leadership profile at WittKieffer.com. WittKieffer is assisting University of Vermont in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by August 10, 2026.

This search is being led by the WittKieffer team of Robin Mamlet, Cathryn Davis, and Corin Edwards.

Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Cathryn Davis at cdavis@wittkieffer.com and Corin Edwards at cedwards@wittkieffer.com.

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