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Augustana College announces the search for its next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Located in Rock Island, Illinois, Augustana is a private, selective, residential college serving mostly undergraduate students. Augustana provides a challenging education that develops the qualities of mind, spirit, and body necessary for students to discern their life’s calling of leadership and service in a rapidly changing world. From its founding in 1860 under the auspices of the Lutheran church, Augustana has grown into an institution welcoming all faiths, valuing diverse backgrounds, and promoting interfaith understanding.

The College offers a diverse set of academic programs, including 82 bachelor’s degree programs, one master’s degree, and many minors, concentrations, and pathways. Augustana offers relevant programs that meet student and workforce needs and has strategically added new in-demand and forward-thinking programs that build upon the liberal arts and sciences. In keeping with Augustana’s liberal arts foundation, the curriculum is guided by structured inquiry that helps students make connections across disciplines.

Enrollment is typically between 2500-2600 students, though with its recent acquisition of Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Augustana anticipates some enrollment growth. Reflecting its commitment to and reputation for affordability, 100% of students receive financial support. With an average class size of 18 and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Augustana’s 190 full-time and 53 part-time faculty develop close connections with students.

The current Provost, an interim appointment for this year, oversees a staff of approximately 40, including the following direct reports: Associate Provost, Associate Vice President for Retention and Student Success, Dean of Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences, four divisional deans (Arts & Communication, Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM), and three administrative staff. Reporting as well directly to the Provost are the directors of the Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship; Tredway Library; Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center; Presidential Center for Faith and Learning; Institutional Research; and Registrar. In addition, the Provost serves as the liaison to the Higher Learning Commission.

The Provost will join a College that has been nimble and creative in response to both opportunities and challenges in higher education. Augustana seeks a leader who will anticipate higher education trends, build community through purposeful collaboration, and achieve goals that will define Augustana’s future. Augustana’s strategic plan, Bold & Boundless, will guide the Provost’s agenda. The Provost will be expected to: embed engaged and high-impact learning throughout the curriculum and the co-curriculum; maximize students’ potential and ensure a supportive network of faculty and staff who will inspire students’ intellectual, personal, and vocational growth; provide excellent learning spaces; lead the plan to integrate Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences and build upon the opportunities provided by the acquisition; and build on the excellent connection to the Quad Cities community.

In addition, the next Provost will embrace the Five Faith Commitments, recognizing how they inform the culture of the community and support students’ learning and personal and leadership development; demonstrate a genuine commitment to shared governance and collaboration; bring experience and a commitment to  support students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds; demonstrate experience leveraging new technologies, including AI, to enhance administrative operations, paired with a sophisticated understanding of how such tools can strengthen—rather than substitute for—learning and critical thinking; and be skilled in financial management and budgeting and knowledgeable about the regulatory and accreditation environment affecting higher education. The Provost will hold an earned doctorate or terminal degree, with a record sufficient to merit appointment as a tenured professor.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2027. The expected salary range for this position is $205,000 to $225,000, commensurate with experience. Augustana College offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package (www.augustana.edu/about-us/offices/hr/benefits).

The Search Committee for Augustana College’s next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs is being assisted by Academic Search. Nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to AugustanaProvost@academicsearch.org. To apply, applicants should visit the following link: https://www.academicsearch.org/AugustanaProvostApply. Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter addressing the qualifications and expectations listed above, curriculum vitae, and a list of five professional references with contact information and a note indicating the nature of the working relationships with each; references will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but only those received by October 14, 2026 can be assured full consideration.

Confidential conversations about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Dr. Sharon Herzberger, Senior Consultant, at AugustanaProvost@academicsearch.org.

Augustana College is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a welcoming and respectful work environment. The College does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.