Provost

Fisk University, one of the nation’s most treasured academic institutions, seeks an innovative, engaged, and collaborative leader to serve as the next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs (Provost).

Founded in 1865 in Nashville by John Ogden and Reverends Erastus Milo Cravath and Edward P. Smith, Fisk began as a school for formerly enslaved individuals of all ages, using facilities provided by General Clinton B. Fisk. Officially incorporated in 1867, the university quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and inclusivity. In 1871, the Jubilee Singers famously toured to raise funds, helping to save the school and fund Jubilee Hall, the first permanent educational building for Black students in the South. Fisk achieved numerous milestones, including early accreditation and the establishment of the first Phi Beta Kappa chapter on a predominantly Black campus. Its campus was named a National Historic District in 1978, reflecting its enduring legacy of resilience and achievement.

Reporting to the President, the Provost must possess the leadership strength and skills to work with deans, faculty, and staff in the continued shaping of the academic mission and progress of a student-centered liberal arts institution. The next Provost will take the helm of the academic enterprise at this key moment in the University’s history. The Provost will effectively collaborate with the president, deans, and other university leaders to renew the emphasis on academic quality and rigor while enhancing student success and creating important infrastructures to meet current and future academic and research demands.

The ideal candidate will bring an understanding and deep appreciation for Fisk University's history and traditions, a distinguished record of scholarly and administrative accomplishments, the capacity to build research, teaching, and student success efforts, and a commitment to the full range of academic disciplines represented at the university.

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

Keight Tucker Kennedy and Ernest Brooks are leading this search with Lehman Robinson. 

Fisk University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All persons will be offered employment and promotion on the basis of qualifications and capabilities without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, qualified ADA recognized disability, or veteran status. In addition, the University sponsors and encourages an environment of affirmative action toward equal opportunity in all divisions affecting the recruiting, hiring, and promotion of employees at all levels.