Academic Affairs seeks internal candidates for AVP for Faculty Affairs
Editor's note: This message was sent today to all faculty from Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy.
Dear Colleagues,
As an R1, urban-serving, Hispanic thriving discovery enterprise, UTSA is committed to the success of students. Part of our shared goal is that all students will thrive academically and be well prepared for their futures. Faculty play a central role in the academic experience, progress and outcomes of our students in and out of the classroom – and serve a pivotal role as mentors and models of success.
Academic Affairs has initiated many new programs, practices and processes for faculty, as central pillars in our overall strategy to advance academic and research excellence through our Faculty Success division. In particular, the Associate Vice Provost of Faculty Diversity and Inclusion, appointed in 2020, has contributed to many of these achievements. To illustrate, the number of Hispanic tenure-track and tenured faculty has increased by 20% in the last five years. In addition, the number of mentoring programs for faculty has expanded and there are now coordinated programs to support faculty retention. This individual has elected to return to faculty 100% and I truly appreciate their outstanding service and commitment to UTSA.
To continue to advance institutional goals related to enhanced faculty recruitment, retention, recognition and success, Academic Affairs has created a new academic leadership role titled Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.
The Associate Vice Provost (AVP) will focus on implementing national best practices at UTSA in standards, approaches, practices and processes related to the recruitment, appointment, development and recognition of outstanding faculty to continue to advance our institutional goals. The AVP will be part of the Academic Affairs team within the division of Faculty Success. The role involves collaborating in partnership with Academic Affairs colleagues in the academic colleges and the division of Academic Innovation, as well as with others in the vice presidential offices of Research, Economic Development and Knowledge Enterprise and Inclusive Excellence.
The AVP will aid in the ongoing development and implementation of advancing faculty success and program development as a part of our commitment to the advancement of academic excellence. The general duties of the AVP will include working with faculty, chairs, academic departments and the colleges to refine and implement our practices to advance institutional and faculty success. In addition, this position will contribute to supporting the retention, advancement and career transitions of the university’s world class academic personnel through training, faculty development and award programs that recognize faculty success and ongoing development of academic leaders.
The AVP should possess strong listening and convening skills, and an ability to engage multiple stakeholders in differing roles and backgrounds in meaningful discussions to advance institutional outcomes, as well as familiarity with national best practices, comfort with data-informed decision-making and dedication to the work necessary for implementation at UTSA. Given UTSA’s leadership in promoting a diverse academic community as an HSI-R1 institution and member of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education are particularly welcomed to consider and seek this academic leadership opportunity.
The AVP is an academic appointment and qualified tenured UTSA faculty are encouraged to apply. The AVP is expected to devote at least half of her/his academic effort to this role and will report to the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Dr. Heather Shipley. This position is expected to begin in Fall 2023 with an initial three-year appointment.
To be considered for this position, please submit your materials via this online form no later than May 5, 2023:
- Statement of interest describing your qualifications and how serving in this role will advance your career aspirations and institutional goals (no more than 1,000 words)
- Current Academic Vitae
Selection will be based on committee review of materials, candidate interviews, and overall alignment with the institutional needs and goals.
I invite you to consider serving in this faculty leadership role. To learn more about the role and for any questions, please contact Heather Shipley.
