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Saint Xavier University (SXU) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for Provost. President Keith Elder seeks an exceptional, strategic, seasoned, and entrepreneurial leader who is passionate about the University’s mission and committed to an ethos of excellence and accountability. Ideally, the new Provost is expected to assume office in advance of the 2025-26 academic year.  

The Provost provides leadership for the faculty, administers the academic affairs of the University, and assures the academic quality of undergraduate and graduate programs and services. The individual is responsible for fostering academic excellence by advancing curricular and co-curricular development in accord with the needs of students and the strategic priorities of the University. While it is not required that the Provost be Catholic, the successful candidate must embrace the Mercy charism, the University’s values, and the University’s Catholic identity.  

Saint Xavier University was founded in Chicago by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, holding the distinctions of being Chicago’s first Catholic university as well as the first Mercy institution of higher learning in the world. A four-year private institution, SXU educates persons to search for truth, to think critically, to communicate effectively and to serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good. 

With an enrollment of approximately 3500 students, Saint Xavier University strives to provide its learning community with a solid foundation in liberal arts and professional education, establishing well-rounded members of society. SXU is a designated Hispanic Serving Institution with a 55% population of minorities or people of color.  

Academic Search is assisting Saint Xavier with this search. More information about the position, institution, leadership agenda, qualifications, and application process, may be found in the position profile at the link at the top of this page and at the posting on SXU.edu. Confidential discussions may be arranged by contacting Senior Consultant Dr. Scott Flanagan by booking here. Please send a CV before your call to scott.flanagan@academicsearch.org. 

Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to SaintXavierProvost@academicsearch.org. When submitting a nomination, please include the nominee’s full name, title, position, and email address. The position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin mid-June 2025, and applications received by June 30, 2025 are guaranteed full consideration. 

The salary range for this position is $175,000-$250,000 annually. The final salary offered will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition to a competitive salary, Saint Xavier provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, retirement plans, and tuition waivers, along with many other advantages detailed on the Human Resources Benefits website. 

Saint Xavier University affirms its position as a Catholic institution, inspired by the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, and asserts its rights to employ persons who subscribe to the mission, vision and core values of the University.

Saint Xavier University will make all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions and all other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on grounds of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other factors that cannot be lawfully the basis for an employment decision. Hiring decisions will be based on the bona fide occupational qualifications of each applicant. The University is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.