Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Gwynedd Mercy University, one of only 17 Mercy institutions of higher education in the United States, invites inquiries, nominations and applications for an experienced and innovative executive to join the leadership team of President Deanne H. D’Emilio as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. This is an exciting opportunity to build on the University’s rich history of excellence and help guide the strategic direction of the university with a goal of achieving its vision of becoming the Catholic university leader in professional and healthcare education. The University is seeking a visionary with knowledge of trends affecting higher education, a strong record of teaching and administrative experience, and a proven ability to execute on strategic plans with successful outcomes.

Since its founding in 1948 by the Sisters of Mercy, Gwynedd Mercy University has grown from a small junior college with just 48 students to a nationally ranked private Catholic university with more than 25,000 alumni. The University serves about 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds, and offers a mix of traditional, on-campus and fully online, accelerated options across more than 40 programs within the College of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies and the Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health Professions.

GMercyU is a place where students not only gain the knowledge and skills, they need to succeed in their careers but also become part of a mission-driven community that embodies its core values of integrity, respect, service, and social justice.  Located on a 145-acre parklike campus just 30 minutes outside Philadelphia, GMercyU is large enough to provide rich academic, athletic, and real-world learning experiences of a larger university, but small enough that professors know each student by name.  It’s why 96% of recent graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months; GMercyU is ranked in the top 7% nationwide for 10-year earnings (Georgetown Center for Education and the Workforce); and the University achieved the highest increase in U.S News and World Report rankings of any school in the Commonwealth and the sixth highest in the country in 2023.  

In recent years the University has embarked on multiple campus transformation projects, including the complete renovation of its oldest residence hall, the addition of a newly renovated baseball and softball field complex, a new outdoor gathering space for students, and new dining facilities, to name just a few.  This summer, the University broke ground on the Frances M. Maguire ’55 Healthcare Innovation Center.  Slated to open in fall 2025 and funded, in part, by a $10 million gift from the Maguire Foundation, this 63,000 square foot building will include state-of-the market technology and teaching and learning spaces that promote interprofessional learning among nursing, occupational therapy, social work, computer science and many other majors.  GMercyU’s Mercy in Motion comprehensive fundraising campaign, which exceeded its initial goal of $25 million nearly 18 months ahead of schedule, is focused on further enhancing the University’s nationally recognized leadership in healthcare education, investing in student success through additional scholarship funding, and sustaining the University’s Mercy mission.

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer of the university, is a member of the President’s Executive Council, and reports directly to the President.  The Provost and Vice President supports the university’s mission and core values in all interactions and provides academic leadership for all undergraduate and graduate programs in all modalities. Positions that report to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs include: Dean for the College of Arts, Sciences & Professional Studies, Dean for the Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health Professions; Associate Dean of Operations; AVP of Educational Design and Effectiveness; Interim Associate Dean for Student Success and Retention Initiatives; Director of Library Services; Registrar; and the Executive Assistant to the Provost/VPA . The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs serves as chair of the Deans’ Council and Academic Council and serves as the Board liaison for the Academic Affairs Committee.

Qualifications: The candidate is expected to have:

• Thorough familiarity with the philosophy and responsibilities of an independent institution of higher education in the Catholic/Mercy tradition
• An earned doctorate in an appropriate field from a regionally accredited institution  
• Experience as a faculty member commensurate with associate professor or professor level
• 5-10 years of experience in senior higher education administration, as a provost, vice president, dean, assistant vice president, assistant provost or equivalent position, including fiscal and personnel responsibilities, strategic planning, accreditation, academic program review, and program creation

The following additional qualifications provide the expectations of the search:

• A deep understanding of their role as an advocate for learning and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty and staff as colleagues in the teaching and learning enterprise within a system of shared governance and mutual respect
• Experience serving a diverse and broad array of students including undergraduate, residential, commuter, traditional, adult, graduate, and online
• Experience leading the development and implementation of new programs 
• Possesses a growth mindset and the ability to identify and execute on opportunities to grow the academic enterprise for the future
• Appreciation of the Mercy Charism along with the ability to facilitate integration of the Charism, as appropriate, into the teaching/learning environment
• An entrepreneurial vision that draws from all elements of the institution and a strong understanding of current issues and trends in higher education
• Effective and open interpersonal communication skills, with proven ability to foster collaborative efforts, listen to all constituents and build productive partnerships
•  Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify, consult and resolve issues that impact institutional needs and priorities
• Ability to represent the academic enterprise and academic priorities of the institution to internal and external constituencies
• Experience with preparing accreditation reports and documents for submission to the Middle States Association and other accrediting agencies
• Ability to effectively integrate and support liberal arts and professional programs
• Experience with online and hybrid delivery systems
• Experience partnering with University Advancement on grant and donor outreach and engagement

In order to be considered for this position, please upload your curriculum vitae or resume AND a cover letter explaining how your qualifications and experience align with our organizational needs. The deadline for all applications is February 28, 2025.

EOE STATEMENT

Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate against any applicant for admission to or employment at the University because of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, color, marital status, veteran status, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law (“Protected Classes”). This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, financial aid, educational services, and student programs and activities, as well as to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, and termination. The University will not tolerate unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes, or related retaliation against or by any employee or student.