The VPFA is the heart of faculty success at the University of South Carolina and will have the opportunity to build, contribute, and exercise creativity in that role. External benchmarking along with an enterprise level perspective for success will be needed.

A talented faculty leader can thrive at USC. To do so, they should bring to the role a deep understanding of higher education and the important role that faculty play in the success of the institution and its graduates. That success will also require the VPFA to serve as an advocate for the faculty. There is a community of scholars and teachers who are willing to collaborate across the campus in an environment of shared responsibility in that work.

The growth in research and innovative educational ideas across USC is notable. Embracing the diversity of disciplines is key to that innovation and the VPFA has a significant responsibility spanning 16 colleges, four 2-year branch campuses and two medical schools. Thus, recognition of the varied nature of faculty work across the disciplines is essential to effectively supporting future growth. The next VPFA should not only appreciate the diversity of the fields and disciplines, but also understand how that translates operationally into expectations for productivity as well as stature and influence in the fields.

Nurturing new faculty members and cultivating new leaders is another opportunity for leadership. A newly revamped 1st Year Faculty program as well as a new associate provost for faculty success for mid-career faculty are important contributions to that work. In addition, the Center for Teaching Excellence recently hired three new instructional designers to support faculty in their important work of teaching. In the future, even greater focus and concentrated efforts are needed to support the faculty’s professional growth and career progression.

The University has realigned the evaluation process for faculty, helping both existing and new faculty to succeed in their emerging roles and responsibilities. Major revisions have been made to the Faculty Manual, formalizing a process for promotion and retention of professional track faculty. There is an opportunity to develop academic leadership with training and professional development opportunities, especially as the University invests in the vital role of the department chair.

The President and Provost have launched major new initiatives to foster increased collaboration across the University, building new interdisciplinary institutes and centers as well as providing new funding for cluster hires. The VPFA will be instrumental in building bridges for faculty to collaborate more easily, breaking down barriers and silos. This work will require a vision for change as well as innovative thinking to accomplish and maintain that change. As importantly, they will need to be effective at supporting the grassroots efforts that are already underway.

• Management of all of University of South Carolina faculty matters
• Supervision of the Center for Teaching Excellence
• Coordination of the Faculty Civility Advocate and the Faculty Ombuds
• Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty
• Direction of planning and implementation of new programs and initiatives to support faculty career and leadership development
• Chair of the USC Policy Advisory Committee
• Approval of faculty credentials for SACSCOC and CHE Accreditation and Compliance

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated record of academic excellence in scholarship/research, teaching, and service appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor at a research university. A minimum of seven years administrative experience is required leading transformational change at the department, college or university level, preferably in a complex system. Examples of such leadership include that of Vice Provost, Dean, or Associate Dean.

• Deep knowledge of current best practices for faculty development and recognition including career development for multiple faculty pathways.
• Demonstrated commitment to access and opportunity for all faculty.
• Demonstrated record of experience managing faculty recruitment, appointment, review, promotion, and retention processes across both tenure-track and professional-track faculty ranks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team and empower academic stakeholders and staff.
• Demonstrated record of successful participation in shared governance processes.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate conflict management, grievance processes, and work through difficult issues.
• Innovative thinking capable of envisioning and generating solutions.
• An understanding and respect for the diversity of disciplines across the university and the impact of working synergistically.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills.