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North Dakota State University (NDSU) seeks a visionary, experienced, collaborative, and decisive senior leader to serve as its next Provost. Reporting directly to President David Cook, who was named NDSU’s 15th president in 2022, and serving on the President’s Cabinet, the Provost serves as the University’s chief academic officer and plays a central role in advancing a vision of transformative growth for the institution. Overseeing academic and student affairs and shaping the scholarly experience across campus, the next Provost will lead efforts to elevate educational and research excellence, foster student success, strengthen global partnerships, and enhance NDSU’s reputation as a national and international leader in innovation.

The next Provost will join NDSU at an exciting yet challenging time in the institution’s history, as the University envisions its opportunities in changing industries and environments. The Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation process and the launch of the strategic planning initiative will begin in 2025, with the completion set for 2026. The Provost’s active involvement in the strategic planning and demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate with faculty, staff, and institutional stakeholders will be essential to the successful completion of this work. The Provost is expected to lead some of the collaborative efforts in the next phases of NDSU Transform: “Grounded in our land-grant mission, this initiative focuses on enhancing student success, expanding groundbreaking research, and fostering innovative partnerships that drive economic growth and community impact. By investing in modern facilities, cutting-edge programs, and collaborative opportunities, NDSU is empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.”

One of the appeals of this position is the opportunity to live, work, and lead in the greater Fargo-Moorhead region, one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing metro areas. NDSU’s main campus is located in the vibrant and growing city of Fargo, North Dakota’s largest city; together with its sister city, Moorhead, Minnesota, directly across the Red River, this region is one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. With a population of more than 260,000, the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area combines a distinct, small-town friendliness with the enrichment and vibrance of a large, modern city. As this website about the history of the Red River Valley notes, “Our adventurous, pioneering spirit is alive and well. In our people, you’ll find a unique mix of Midwestern gregariousness and quiet strength. Ingenuity, vision, and down-to-earth practicality define our distinct prairie soul.”

The Search Committee for NDSU’s next Provost is being assisted by Academic Search. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to NDSUProvost@academicsearch.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but only those received by September 2, 2025, can be assured full consideration. Complete applications include a detailed cover letter expressing your interest in this position and addressing how you meet the qualifications and expectations outlined in the profile, a current full resume or curriculum vitae that includes relevant responsibilities and accomplishments, and a list of five professional references, including names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses, noting your relationship with each reference (all in PDF format).

Prospective candidates may arrange a confidential conversation about this opportunity with either senior consultant, Dr. Ginny Horvath (ginny.horvath@academicsearch.org) or Ms. Lisa Ryan (lisa.ryan@academicsearch.org). More information can be found in the search profile on the Academic Search website.

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 100, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.