CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
POSITION PROFILE
California State University, Sacramento (“Sacramento State”) invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. 2 | CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO THE UNIVERSITY
As California’s capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing students for leadership, service and success. Sacramento State is on a beautiful 300-acre, tree-lined campus adjacent to the American River, about five miles east of the state Capitol. Established in 1947, it is the seventh largest of the 23 campuses in the California State University system. With faculty, students and staff working at the confluence of knowledge, passion, innovation and real-world learning, Sacramento State offers a truly transformative educational experience to its more than 31,000 students – an experience enriched at every turn by the arts, culture, altruism, diversity, natural campus beauty and a community committed to educational excellence.
As a top regional four-year, comprehensive public university offering programs in business, education, engineering, health, arts, humanities, public policy and science, Sacramento State is the place to “Redefine the Possible,” the University’s tagline. Sacramento State alumni – one out of every 20-area residents – make up the heart of the region’s workforce and some of its finest leaders who are driven to make a difference in their communities. Sacramento State received the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement in 2010 and is currently pursuing reclassification for 2020. The Carnegie Classification is a nationally recognized and prestigious designation for institutions to demonstrate their commitment to engagement.
Sacramento State is committed to growing as a community and institution that influences and shapes public policy and service to advance and improve the region and the lives of all who live in it. From students’ work at the Capitol and in their own neighborhoods, to research, creative activity, and community partnerships involving faculty and staff, to an administration dedicated to propelling the University into a new era, Sacramento State is the place to be to impact the future of the city, region, and state. Sacramento State is home to centers, programs, and institutes that analyze and shape public policy at the state, local, and federal levels.
The University fosters ongoing partnerships with government agencies, non- profit organizations, elected officials, corporate and community leaders to advance issues and policies that benefit the University and the region and contribute to its economic development. Future movers and shakers throughout the region get their start at Sacramento State, just a few miles from the State Capitol. The opportunities and internships – some of the very best in the country – are unlike those available anywhere else in the state, and students get hands-on experience to jump-start their careers in public service. The University is home to dedicated faculty who, in addition to shaping the minds of the capital’s next generation of leaders, play vital roles in regional and state issues and discourse. Faculty members are leaders in their fields and engaged members of the community, fueling discussion of the ways public policy affects the lives of the electorate while addressing economic, educational, cultural, and social issues facing the region and the state.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO | 3 THE UNIVERSITY
Sacramento
Sacramento, known as “the City of Trees” is a modern city with roots in the Wild West. It is California’s capital and the seat of Sacramento County government. It lies in the heart of the rich agricultural Central Valley, which gives it a personality at once dynamic and laidback. It lies at the confluence of two rivers: the 380-mile Sacramento, California’s longest river; and the American, a popular spot for boating, fishing, rafting, and cooling off in the summer.
In 1848, a sawmill foreman working at the south fork of the American River, northeast of Sacramento, reached into the water to retrieve some sparkly flecks. It was gold. James W. Marshall’s discovery triggered the 1849 Gold Rush – and the world literally rushed toward the young city of Sacramento as eager men and women made their way to the gold fields. Many would not find their fortunes, and some returned to Sacramento to start businesses and new lives here.
Sacramento grew into one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of 480,000. More than 1.5 million people live in Sacramento County. The region’s mild Mediterranean climate produces hot summer days and cool nighttime Delta breezes. Winters are chilly and sometimes cloaked in the Central Valley’s famed tule fog.
The Sacramento State campus is just minutes from the city’s best restaurants, fast-food eateries, and shopping areas. Arden Fair Mall, home to Nordstrom, Macy’s and the Apple Store, is four miles away. The campus is less than eight miles from the State Capitol. The city of Sacramento offers a myriad of museums to explore and plenty of festivals to entertain you throughout the year. San Francisco, Northern California’s wine country, the Sierra Nevada, and historic Gold Rush towns are popular weekend destinations.
Campus Demographics
With a breakdown of 56% female and 44% male, Sacramento State enrolls approximately 31,100 students. It is one of the most diverse universities in the western United States and a reflection of the region it serves. Sacramento State is designated as a Minority- Serving Institution (MSI), a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an
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Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution commitment to accountability and assessment with the goal to (AANAPISI). Roughly one third of undergraduate students are either provide students with the best university education. Academic low-income or first-generation students. More than one thousand Affairs values effective stewardship of resources as well as ingenuity veterans and their dependents are enrolled at Sacramento State, and practicality and the use of considerable intellectual and creative adding to the diversity of the campus. Approximately 2,100 students talent that characterizes the University. living in the University’s seven residence halls. Academic Affairs is currently reviewing a strategic plan developed during the 2017-2108 academic year. This plan is the Athletics result of extensive and inclusive conversations and guided by the following values: student success; inclusive excellence; academic The Sacramento State “Hornets” compete in the NCAA Division innovation & integrity; collaboration; research, scholarship & I with 21 intercollegiate athletic teams. All the Hornets Varsity creative activities; and community engagement. The Division teams represent Sacramento State in the Big Sky Conference with continues to engage the campus community as the plan is enacted the exception of baseball that competes in the Western Athletic in a dynamic manner. Conference, gymnastics that competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, Rowing in the American Athletic Conference, In alignment with Sacramento State’s strategic goals, the and women’s beach volleyball & men’s soccer in the Big West Division of Academic Affairs strategic plan goals are: Conference. As one of the most visible arms of the University, Athletics raises recognition and generates pride among current Goal 1: Further the Academic Progress & Success of All and prospective students, alumni and the local community while Students advancing the University’s mission, contributing to the lives of
students and improving the quality of life in the Sacramento region. Goal 2: Strengthen Academic Programming
Goal 3: Enhance the Support and Development of The Division of Faculty & Staff Academic Affairs Goal 4: Engage with Communities and Impact in the Region Academic Affairs, the largest administrative unit in the University, ensures quality academic programs for all students
and supports faculty in their efforts to provide excellent teaching With the vision “to be the recognized leader in transformative and learning opportunities. The Division encompasses the seven education,” Academic Affairs continues to review its strategic plan to academic colleges, the University Library, and the College of optimize its implementation. Continuing Education. In addition, Academic Affairs is home to
program centers that include: the Office of Graduate Studies, Sacramento State serves a student body of more 31,000 across Research Administration, the Community Engagement Center, more than 100 different majors and minors. Approximately 91% the Center for Teaching and Learning, Sac State Creative Services, of the student population is undergraduate and more than 2,700 International Programs & Global Engagement, and the Center for students are enrolled in graduate and professional programs. The College Readiness. University offers a wide range of programs through seven colleges and the College of Continuing Education. Along with the supportive Academic Affairs remains focused on the major elements learning environment provided by the University Library, students of Sacramento State’s mission – access, diversity, quality, and the are provided with the knowledge, skills and values to be successful fullest university experience for students. The desire to improve in their chosen field of study. Following is an overview of the upon what they do regarding each of these elements drives their colleges and University Library. agenda each year. The Division pursues improvement with a
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO | 5 THE UNIVERSITY
College of Arts & Letters
The College of Arts & Letters engages faculty, staff, and students in the creation and study of what makes us human and what humans make. Students acquire diverse languages and intercultural competence, critical and creative thinking and problem-solving skills, excellence in written and oral communication, and a keen awareness of the past and present while they pursue the promise of the future. The College encompasses the following academic departments and programs: Art, Communication Studies, Design, English, History, Humanities & Religious Studies, Music, Philosophy, Theatre & Dance, World Languages & Literatures, Film Program, and University Library Gallery.
College of Business Administration
AACSB-accredited, the College develops engaged, responsible, and inclusive leaders who enrich their communities. The College offers a transformative management education featuring eight undergraduate concentrations. Also, the College offers: an evening MBA, a one-year daytime MBA with an international focus on-campus and in Singapore, an Executive MBA for seasoned managers, and an online MS in Accountancy. Students graduate with the skills to respond creatively and effectively to emerging global and technological forces, and are ready to embrace the social and environmental responsibilities of the 21st century. The college serves the local business community through two centers: The Center for Small Business and Center for Business Analytics.
College of Continuing Education
The College has been offering courses, seminars and workshops since 1951. Although times have changed since its founding, the College remains committed to serving the community through higher education. As a self-supporting educational unit, the College receives no public funding for its operation. Fees collected for each class cover instruction and administrative costs. The College offers affordable and high quality offerings including academic credit, non-credit and international programs.
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College of Education Geology, Mathematics & Statistics, and Physics & Astronomy. The College anxiously awaits completion of a new Science Complex, a The College faculty, students, and staff are highly capable, five-story building that will be home to 30 teaching and research knowledgeable, and resourceful individuals committed to the suc- laboratories, two large lecture halls, a detached 2,500 square-foot cess of Sacramento’s educational community. The College collab- planetarium with full-dome digital capabilities, an observatory with orates with the professional communities in preparing educators, a retractable roof and telescopes for viewing the night sky, an entry counselors, and leaders, to serve as agents of positive social change. plaza with educational displays for student and the public, and an The College gives access to professional careers to students with environmentally friendly green terrace – a grass-covered roof that diverse identities and backgrounds, and contribute to their person- provides insulation and captures storm water. al growth. The College also provides informed advice and applied research services to the local educational community. College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies College of Engineering & Computer Science The mission of the College is to cultivate intellectual and personal growth, professional achievement, and civic leadership ABET-accredited, the College offers degrees and concentrations to benefit a diverse student body and the Capital Region through in the following disciplines: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, innovative teaching, scholarship, and service. The College offers Computer Science, Construction Management, Electric & Electronic undergraduate and graduate programs through its departments Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Students and faculty con- in Anthropology, Asian Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, duct applied research programs to advance the state of the practice in Ethnic Studies, Family & Consumer Sciences, Gerontology, Liberal the engineering community. Faculty works with both public agencies Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy & Administration, and private firms, and integrate applied research into the curriculum. Social Science, Sociology, and Women’s Studies. In addition, the College has four active and nationally recognized centers: Education College of Health & Human Services Insights Center (formerly the Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Policy), the Institute for Social Research, the Archaeological The College of Health and Human Services provides the region Research Center, and the Archaeological Curation Facility. with health and human services professionals who are leaders through their innovation, engagement, and impact. The college plays important roles in addressing the workforce needs of the re- University Library gion, in community engagement, and in research that matters. With As the center of campus intellectual discovery, the University nearly 7,000 students, making it the largest college on campus, the Library promotes teaching, learning, research, and scholarly com- programs offered in the College continue to be in high demand. The munication at the University by integrating the Library with campus faculty and staff are committed to student success, which is one of student success programs and instruction. Serving over 1,350,000 the primary values of the University’s mission. visitors annually it offers a wide selection of physical and e-books
and research/journal databases. The Library has a strong online College of Natural Sciences & presence serving over 1,060,000 visitors to its website annually. One Mathematics of twenty-three libraries in the California State University System, the Library holds over 1.4 million volumes, comprised of print and elec- In the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, students tronic monographs and serials, and is a Federal Document Deposito- get to know professors while studying a hands-on curriculum. ry. The Library’s mission is to inspire excellence in teaching, learning, Graduates who seek stimulating careers that continually offer new and scholarly activities. challenges will find excellent job prospects. Degrees are offered in the following disciplines: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geography,
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO | 7 The Position
Reporting directly to President Robert S. Nelsen, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer. The Provost is the academic leader of the university, with ultimate responsibility for all academic programs, operations, and initiatives, and to manage a significant part of the academic budget. The Provost has primary oversight of faculty promotion and tenure, and administrative structures of the academic colleges, library, and centers.
The Provost is responsible for providing leadership to the campus’s academic enterprise which includes conducting program reviews to determine the demand for new programs, classes, and services and the relevance of existing curriculum offerings; developing strategies to support faculty development; developing leadership training programs and resources that support the professional development of academic leadership in departments and colleges to increase participation and improve efficiency; reviewing and making tenure and post-tenure decisions; leading collaborative, transparent decision-making processes among administrators, faculty, staff, and students resulting in shared university governance; supervising the deans and colleges; facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration among academic leadership and faculty; helping to design and implement innovative strategies affecting the future of higher education, including curriculum redesign, learning outcome assessment, online learning, and other technologies.
The Provost collaborates with other vice presidents and members of the President’s Cabinet in a team-oriented environment. The Provost will work closely with the deans of the seven academic colleges; the four deans for Continuing Education, Graduate Education, Undergraduate Education, and the Library; and the Chair of the Faculty Senate on matters of educational policy and academic programs. The Provost chairs and engages with major university-wide groups, working together with the community, faculty, administration, staff, students, and alumni. The Provost leads the academic strategic planning process and the creation of a culture of evidence-based educational effectiveness.
The Provost manages the budget planning and fiscal operations for the Division of Academic Affairs with the goal of facilitating the efforts of the Colleges, Library, and other units to accomplish the goals of Sacramento State. The Division’s budget for fiscal year 2018-2019 is $139M.
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The Provost is responsible for the oversight of approximately budget, personnel, and physical resources. The Provost will ensure 723 faculty members, 454 lecturers, and 380 staff members. A num- that academic goals are achieved while maintaining the high ber of key campus leaders report to the Provost, including the: quality of programs.
• Associate Vice President, Research, Innovation and ADVANCING STUDENT SUCCESS AND Economic Development GRADUATION INITIATIVES • Associate Vice President, International Programs & Global “Finish in Four and “Through in Two” are part of the California Engagement State University System’s Graduation Initiative 2025, aiming to • Associate Vice President, Academic Excellence increase the number of incoming freshman and transfer students • Director, Business Operations earning a bachelor’s degree in four years. The Provost will continue to • Director, Community Engagement Center support this and other initiatives to maximize student success efforts. • Director, Water Programs • Executive Director, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship • Dean, College of Arts and Letters SUPPORTING FACULTY EXCELLENCE • Dean, College of Business Administration Sacramento State has a robust body of faculty. The Provost will • Dean, College of Continuing Education be a leader in promoting processes that will support faculty at the • Dean, College of Education different stages of their tenure. The Provost will create opportunities • Dean, College of Engineering & Computer Science for faculty to engage in and pursue research and scholarly activities. • Dean, College of Health and Human Services By adopting an inclusive and transparent leadership approach, the • Dean, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics Provost will embrace shared governance and be an advocate for the • Dean, College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies Division of Academic Affairs. • Dean, University Library • Dean, Undergraduate Studies PROMOTING DIVERSITY • Dean, Graduate Studies • Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs At Sacramento State, diversity and inclusion enrich the • Vice Provost, Strategic Services classroom experience through the encouragement of open dialogue, academic discourse, and the teaching of social justice. The Provost will lead efforts to make the campus an open and Opportunities and Challenges welcoming environment for its diverse student body. The Provost The next Provost will lead Sacramento State at a crucial time will ensure that the campus supports not only the recruitment of and will serve as the key leader in the following areas: accomplished and diverse faculty, but also provides an environment that supports professional growth that leads to retention. IMPLEMENTING THE DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS’ STRATEGIC PLAN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The vision for the Division of Academic Affairs is “to be the The Provost will play a critical role in the University’s effort recognized leader in transformative education.” To this effect, the to achieve its commitment to becoming an Anchor Institution Provost will continue to work with the campus community to organ- in the Sacramento region and expanding upon its blueprint ically pursue the strategic goals already articulated in the plan. The for the Carnegie Community Engagement reclassification. This Provost will be purposeful and adaptable in executing elements of designation reflects the campus commitment to community the plan by embracing its original framework and at the same time, engagement, which is outlined in the University’s strategic plan, adjusting to the changing needs of the institution. mission statement, and vision. Sacramento State values place-based community engagement and embraces it as a key component of MANAGING RESOURCES who they are and what they do. The Provost will be instrumental in Promoting transparency and fairness, the Provost will leading programs and initiatives that contribute to the creation of work closely with the University’s leadership team in supporting more engagement opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. institutional priorities by strategically allocating the necessary
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO | 9 The Position
Qualifications
The successful candidate must have:
• An earned doctorate or an appropriate terminal degree and the qualifications for an appointment as full professor, including a proven record of achievement as a teacher and scholar;
• A proven track record of effective and strong leadership and management within a large and complex academic institution, including substantial academic planning experience, visionary strategic thinking and planning skills, and demonstrated leadership at a policy-making level;
• An affinity for and commitment to shared governance values and processes;
• Excellent team management skills and the ability to develop productive and effective working relationships with all campus and community constituents;
• Demonstrated evidence of commitment to educational equity and a university community that values diversity, inclusion, and pluralism, and the ability to connect these values to the curriculum;
• Direct knowledge of university, college, and department- level assessment and accreditation processes and lead the University’s implementation and evaluation of educational effectiveness,
• A depth and breadth of fiscal management and experience managing complex budgets and allocating resources strategically and equitably;
• A commitment to teaching, scholarship, service and engagement, academic excellence, and building relationships with the community;
• An affinity for and understanding of the mission of regional comprehensive master’s and professional doctoral institutions and their role in educating and serving local and regional communities;
• Significant experience with developing student success initiatives, using data to measure outcomes and success, working with other divisions to integrate student support services and high impact practices, and allocating resources appropriately to improve student performance, including graduation rates, time to completion and retention; and
• An understanding of the opportunities and challenges attendant with being part of a large multi-campus consortium of institutions (the CSU System.)
10 | CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO The Position Application and Nomination Process Desired Attributes The Provost Search Committee will begin reviewing Exceptional Provost’ candidates should be: applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. • A proven and experienced leader who will inspire trust, build morale, and instill confidence within the Sacramento State Applicants must submit: a current resume or curriculum community; vitae and a cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Nomination letters should include • An experienced administrator with superior financial acumen who will support Sacramento State aspirations the name, position, address and telephone number of the while creatively developing alternative revenue streams; nominee. All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence. • An individual who has a strong and engaged campus presence; Applications and letters of nomination should be • An enthusiastic leader with the ability to engage and inspire submitted by email to: the academic community; spark and nurture innovative thinking; and promote interdisciplinary collaborations; Email: [email protected] • A strategic leader that fosters collaboration, teamwork, cooperation, inclusiveness, transparency, and commitment to shared governance; capable of leading the Division Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner of Academic Affairs effectively in a unionized campus Emy Pena, Partner environment; Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates • Able to communicate effectively, particularly with and across 6512 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA different disciplines and constituencies (including faculty, 90601 staff, students and community members) and in various settings; Refer to code “Sac State Provost” in subject line • A global thinker with expertise or a demonstrated interest in fostering international education, programs, and partnerships;
• Accountable and data-driven with the ability to produce California State University, Sacramento is an results. The Provost will have an understanding of how to Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a implement accountability measures and practices across strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity the academic enterprise as well as the ability to use data to in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment inform, plan, implement, and measure success; without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, • Effective in working across a 23-campus system while genetic information, medical condition, marital status, maneuvering effectively and diplomatically within veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only ambiguous and complex environments at the campus level; those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States. • Knowledgeable of trends and best practices in public higher education, including the role of faculty in promoting Candidate selected will be required to provide proof of academic excellence and student success; eligibility to work in the U.S. • A strong communicator who exhibits outstanding active Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and listening skills with strong interpersonal and communication Crime Statistics Act and Campus Fire Safety Right-To-know skills; and Act Notification. For additional information, visit: http://www. • A partner with the Advancement Office in fund raising to csus.edu/aba/police support the academic portfolio and vision of Sacramento State.
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