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James Madison University (JMU), a rapidly evolving, nationally recognized epicenter of learning, seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Founded in 1908 in Harrisonburg, Virginia as a women’s school to develop teachers, James Madison University has transformed into a co-ed, national institution with over 110 academic programs and more than 23,000 students as of Fall 2025. A complex set of factors are propelling JMU’s growth, and one significant contributor is the university’s sustained dedication to high-quality instruction. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1, and 37.2% of classes have fewer than 20 students. This commitment to student success resonates well with external audiences and prospective students.

JMU is enjoying a rapid ascent in popularity and national rankings, including classification as an R2 Doctoral University with High Research Activity by the Carnegie Commission. In its first year of conducting rankings, The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education ranked JMU as the No. 1 Most-Recommended University in the country, with Stanford coming in a close second. And in only its second year ranked as a National University by U.S. News & World Report, JMU ranked as No. 64 among public institutions, up eight spots from the year before. These external recognitions validate JMU’s approach to success.

Serving as the chief academic officer at James Madison University, the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs (SVPAA) reports to the president and must be an innovative and responsive partner who is committed to the university’s mission, where what’s best for students is the north star, and which prioritizes academic excellence, student success, and research innovation.

The successful candidate will support shared governance and transparency in decision-making and will be committed to intellectual diversity on campus. The next provost and SVPAA will be someone who can partner with the president, his leadership team, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders to continue to elevate the university’s distinct national profile. This will require a strategic thinker who can integrate academic rigor with operational efficiency, and a skilled communicator who builds trust with faculty and across the campus community. The next provost must be adaptive and forward-looking, able to navigate emerging challenges in higher education, while being a responsive partner for industry and benefactors.

Additional information, including full lists of responsibilities and qualifications, is available in the search profile available at the link above.

How to Apply: James Madison University is being assisted by Academic Search. Applications should consist of a substantive letter of interest, a CV, and a list of five professional references with full contact information. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to:

JMUProvost@academicsearch.org

The position is open until filled but only applications received by February 16, 2026, can be assured full consideration. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Ann Die Hasselmo and Chris Butler.

James Madison University does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination in its employment, programs, activities, and admissions on the basis of age, color, disability, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information (including family medical history), marital status, military status (including veteran status), national origin (including ethnicity), parental status, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or on any basis protected by law, unless otherwise permitted or required by law. JMU complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, affirmative action, and anti-harassment. The responsibility for overall coordination, monitoring and information dissemination about JMU’s program of equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and affirmative action is assigned to the Office of Equal Opportunity. Inquiries or complaints may be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity via OEO website, email oeo@jmu.edu, or phone (540) 568-6991.

JMU prohibits sexual and gender-based harassment including sexual assault and other forms of inter-personal violence. The responsibility for overall coordination, monitoring and information dissemination about JMU’s Title IX program is assigned to the Title IX Coordinator. Inquiries or complaints may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator: Laura Sider Jost via Title IX website, email siderlk@jmu.edu or phone (540) 568-5219.