Job Description

Fayetteville State University, located in Fayetteville, NC and a constituent institution of the prestigious University of North Carolina system, is seeking an innovative, visionary, strategic, and entrepreneurial – minded educator and researcher to serve as the Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

About Fayetteville State University

Founded in 1867, Fayetteville State University (FSU; University) is a public, comprehensive, historically Black university, and is the second oldest state assisted institution in North Carolina. Since 1972, FSU has been one of 17 institutions within the broader UNC System.

Situated on a scenic campus of more 156 acres, FSU serves a diverse student population and is known for its strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and social mobility. FSU offers robust and innovative degree programs rooted in the liberal arts tradition. The university advances knowledge through the integration of teaching, learning, research, and public service. FSU strives to meet the educational, career, and personal aspirations of its students from rural, military, and other diverse backgrounds so that they are equipped with academic and practical knowledge to serve local, state, national, and global communities as enlightened citizens, globally astute leaders, and engaged solution creators.

The University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs through its colleges and schools, including programs in business, education, social work, nursing, psychology, criminal justice, intelligence studies, and the sciences. FSU has many nationally ranked academic programs, including the school of nursing and online MBA. In addition to exceptional pre-professional programs, FSU has a proud tradition in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. FSU also touts phenomenal Army and Air Force ROTC programs that annually develop students into nationally ranked cadets, prepared to lead successfully in the US military.

FSU emphasizes small class sizes, personalized instruction, and faculty mentorship. Students benefit from research opportunities, internships, leadership development, and community service initiatives that prepare them for professional success and civic responsibility. The University also provides flexible learning options, including online and hybrid programs designed to meet the needs of working adults and non-traditional students.

Campus life at FSU is vibrant and student-centered, featuring numerous student organizations, Greek life, cultural events, and NCAA Division II athletics. The Broncos compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

With a strong legacy rooted in access and empowerment, Fayetteville State University continues to advance its mission of transforming lives through education, innovation, and service.

Mission

Fayetteville State University, a Historically Black College and University and the second oldest public university in North Carolina, offers robust and innovative bachelor’s and master’s degree programs rooted in the liberal arts tradition as well as the Doctor of Education. The university advances knowledge through the integration of teaching, learning, research and public service. FSU strives to meet the educational, career and personal aspirations of its traditional and non-traditional students from rural, military and other diverse backgrounds so that they are equipped with academic and practical knowledge to serve local, state, national and global communities as enlightened citizens, globally astute leaders and engaged solution creators.

We accomplish our mission through:

• A rigorous academic environment
• A student-centered education
• Dedicated staff and scholarly faculty
• Specialized offerings and services to meet the needs of traditional, online, non-traditional, and military affiliated students
• Faculty and student engagement and partnerships with industry, employers, alumni and the community

Vision

Fayetteville State University, the second oldest public university in North Carolina and a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System, will be the regional university of choice for students from rural, military, and other diverse backgrounds who are poised to become visionary leaders who transform communities, states and nations.

Core Values

• Integrity: Commitment to transparency
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Producing career and life-ready global citizens
• Shared Governance: Engaging all members of the university community in decision making
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Strengthening relationships among alumni, community, and other stakeholders
• Innovation: Creatively pursuing excellence in organizational endeavors
• Cultural Connectivity: Preserving the University’s HBCU legacy and pride

About the Provost

Reporting to the Chancellor, the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Provost) serves as the Chief Academic Officer of Fayetteville State University and provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for all academic programs and academic support units. As a key member of the University’s Cabinet, the Provost is responsible for advancing academic excellence, strengthening student success outcomes, ensuring institutional effectiveness, supporting world-class faculty, and promoting FSU’s mission as a premier institution committed to providing access, innovation, and regional impact.

The Provost will lead with integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to fostering a learning environment that supports students’ success for all. This role requires a highly collaborative leader capable of aligning academic priorities with institutional strategy, strengthening shared governance, building research capacity, and enhancing the academic reputation of FSU locally, nationally, and globally.

The Provost’s scope of leadership and responsibility includes the four Colleges, Research & Innovation, Institutional Research & Effectiveness, Academic & Faculty Affairs, and the Library.

Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Academic Leadership

• Provide forward-looking vision and direction for all academic programs, academic support units, and centers of excellence spanning undergraduate, graduate, and professional education.
• Lead comprehensive University academic planning to ensure full alignment with institutional priorities, accreditation standards, and the performance metrics outlined in the UNC System Strategic Plan, including student success, degree efficiency, research productivity, and workforce alignment.
• Champion a culture of academic rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement that leverages data to strengthen outcomes across all academic units and supports measurable progress toward System-wide goals.
• Advance interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage faculty-driven innovation by integrating emerging pedagogies, digital learning strategies, and evidence-based teaching practices that reinforce UNC System expectations for quality, access, and student achievement.

Faculty Affairs and Professional Development

• Oversee faculty recruitment, appointment, reappointment, promotion, tenure, and post-tenure review; uphold academic standards and support faculty excellence.
• Strengthen faculty development, mentorship programs, and opportunities for scholarly, creative, and research engagement.
• Support policies and initiatives that support faculty well-being, and retention.

Student Success and Academic Support

• Work in alignment with the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success, to help ensure academic policies and structures promote access, retention, persistence, degree completion, and equitable outcomes for all students.
• Reinforce the strategies set out by the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success to support student success initiatives, including advising, tutoring, academic coaching, enrollment management, and other academic support services.
• Oversee the Library Services.

Budget

• Manage academic budgets, allocate resources strategically, and ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Advocate for academic resources and guide data-driven decisions that improve academic operations.
• Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships, and grants to support academic innovation and growth.

Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

• Support and expand research, grant activity, sponsored programs, and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Champion efforts to increase faculty and student research, community-engaged scholarship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• External Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
• Represent Academic Affairs to internal and external constituents, including donors, policymakers, educational institutions, and community organizations.
• Develop partnerships that enhance academic programs, experiential learning, workforce development, and global engagement.
• Serve on boards, committees, and advisory groups that advance FSU’s mission and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Innovative, visionary, strategic, and entrepreneurial – minded educator and researcher.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) from an accredited institution, with academic qualifications meriting appointment at the rank of full professor at Fayetteville State University.
• Demonstrated success as an academic leader within a public higher education environment.
• Progressive administrative experience involving supervision of academic programs, academic support units, faculty, and professional staff.
• Knowledge of regional accreditation standards, particularly SACSCOC principles of accreditation, substantive change procedures, and compliance requirements affecting academic affairs.
• Ability to lead within a shared governance environment, fostering collaborative relationships with faculty senates, deans, departmental leaders, and campus governance bodies.
• Strong fiscal management experience, including oversight of academic budgets, strategic resource allocation, and efficient utilization of state, federal, and external funds.
• Preference given to candidates with academic leadership experience at a Carnegie R1 or R2 institution.

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and include a base salary and a competitive benefits package.

Applications, Nominations and Expressions of Interest

To make a nomination, provide a referral, or for additional information, please use the contact information below. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible for full consideration as review of submitted materials will begin immediately. The ideal start date is July 1, 2026.

To apply, please submit a resume and/or vita, and cover letter, to:

FSUProvost@buffkinbaker.com

Martin Baker, Partner & Practice Leader, Buffkin / Baker

336-721-9100

Ken Carrick, Partner, Buffkin / Baker

980.296.5401

Janny DeLoache, Associate Partner, Buffkin / Baker

704-377-7828

Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and employment and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, National Guard or veteran status. Moreover, Fayetteville State University values diversity and actively seeks to recruit talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. Fayetteville State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.