University begins search for new provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs 

Pittsburg State University is beginning a national search for a provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, a position held by Howard Smith since 2019. Smith will retire in June after a decades-long career in education, the last 28 of which were spent at Pitt State. 

“We’re looking for someone who’s creative, generous, and ready to go to work for our students, employees, and community,” said Pitt State President Dan Shipp. “We are fortunate to have a great example of this in Dr. Smith, and I’m grateful he’s been here to jumpstart our work. He’s been a great partner.” 

The search is being led by a search committee of campus and community representation led by Dean Paul Grimes and Dean Mary Carol Pomatto, with assistance from professional search firm Buffkin/Baker.  

The provost and executive vice president reports to the president and is responsible for the university’s academic enterprise, including the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Technology, and Kelce College of Business, as well as the Registrar, Axe Library, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology, and Academic Affairs support units.  

Over the past year the position has also grown to include oversight of the university’s economic development and community engagement activities and research. 

“This is an important inflection point for academics at Pittsburg State University,” said Shipp. “Enabling innovation with our talented faculty, embedding collaboration into our academic program planning and implementation process, and expanding the footprint we share with community and regional partners will help ensure Pitt State’s long-term success.”  

Maintaining high academic standards is paramount, says Shipp. “That requires a partnership mindset across the institution, the community, the state of Kansas, and the region we serve.” 

In addition, the provost is among the student-focused leadership at Pitt State working to build a vibrant and welcoming campus life, produce more graduates, and make lasting investments in the Pittsburg community and surrounding region.  

“It’s an important time for Pitt State, and also an important time for higher education,” said Shipp. “Our academic leader will understand the challenges our students, community, and partners face, and – more importantly – the opportunities that await our action.”  

Learn more:pittstate.edu/president/2024-provost-search.html.