Provost

DePaul University (“DePaul” or “The university”), the nation’s largest Catholic university and one of its most respected private urban institutions, seeks a strategic and influential leader with a distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, and academic leadership to serve as its next Provost. Located in the heart of Chicago, DePaul combines the academic breadth of a major research university with a deep commitment to its mission rooted in service to others, social justice, and the education of first-generation and underrepresented students. The Provost will join a dynamic and highly motivated President and leadership team and play an integral role in building on DePaul’s enduring strengths to firmly establish the university as one of the country’s finest higher education institutions. 

Founded in 1898 by the Congregation of the Mission, which follows the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, DePaul has grown to become the largest private university in the Midwest, serving nearly 21,210 students—about one-third of whom identify as first-generation college students. DePaul’s 858 full-time and 865 adjunct faculty members pursue the preservation, enrichment and transmission of knowledge and culture across a broad scope of academic disciplines. The university comprises ten colleges and schools and is well known for strong programs in business, law, computing and digital media, education, liberal arts, science and health, and the performing arts, among others. 

With deep, established roots in the city of Chicago and a mission grounded in service, DePaul has a history of forging long-standing, strategic partnerships across sectors—including with industry, government, non-profits, and cultural organizations—to advance social good, expand student opportunity, and address complex urban and societal challenges. For over 125 years, DePaul’s significant role in supporting the local community, economy, and workforce has led many to recognize it as “the backbone of Chicago.”

The Provost will skillfully articulate and implement a unifying strategic vision for academic affairs and chart the institution’s pedagogical trajectory in a rapidly changing higher educational landscape. Deepening DePaul’s deep commitment to innovation, teaching, and research, the Provost will enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage a One DePaul ethos in which students, faculty, and staff can thrive. In leading the Office of Academic Affairs and advancing the mission of DePaul, the Provost must be a savvy communicator and relationship builder, influencing faculty and administrative culture, committing to uphold shared governance principles as well as academic freedom, and promoting transparency across an institution of considerable size and complexity. A facile storyteller, the Provost will compellingly narrativize DePaul’s academic vision and impact, partnering to strengthen philanthropic support and advocating for the prioritization of resources impacting academic affairs and student success outcomes. With a keen appreciation for the robust ecosystem of current and prospective community partners and industries, the Provost will work with the President and the Executive Vice President to advance innovative strategic partnerships across Chicago and beyond. 

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION

DePaul University is located in Chicago, IL.

The salary range for this position is $450,000-$500,000 annually, commensurate with related experience and qualifications.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Phillip Petree and Micah Pierce are leading this search with David Grimes and Afi Tettey-Fio.

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local EEO laws.