Bozeman, Montana
Montana State University (MSU), Montana’s premier land-grant university and Carnegie R1 research institution, invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. The next Provost will join the university at a pivotal moment, partnering with President Brock Tessman and the campus community to advance academic excellence, strengthen student success, expand research and graduate education, and further the university’s land-grant mission through teaching, scholarship, service, Extension, and community engagement.
As MSU’s chief academic officer, the Provost will provide strategic and operational leadership across the academic enterprise, fostering excellence within, and integration across, teaching. The provost will guide academic departments and interdisciplinary programs, steward faculty, staff, and financial resources, and support the success of students across Montana and beyond. Working collaboratively with colleagues throughout the university and the statewide university system, the Provost will help translate the next university strategic plan into meaningful action while promoting a culture of trust, transparency, accountability, and shared purpose.
MSU’s academic enterprise is a story of accomplished faculty, nationally recognized scholarship and programs that address emerging opportunities and needs in the service of the land- grant mission. MSU welcomed two recent National Science Foundation CAREER awards, Fulbright awards and major externally funded initiatives in fields ranging from biomedical science to quantum computing.
Bozeman offers much to recommend it beyond the university itself. The city, located in the Gallatin Valley and surrounded by mountain ranges, offers an exceptional quality of life. The city is close to public lands and outdoor recreation, as well as Yellowstone National Park, which is just 90 miles away. The surrounding mountains and rivers provide incredible opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and time outdoors. In winter, Bridger Bowl offers skiing close to home, and Big Sky Resort is approximately an hour’s drive from the city. An extensive network of local trails makes walking, running, hiking and cycling a part of daily life without leaving town.
A complete Leadership Profile with additional information may be found above.
Application should be received by December 21, 2026, for full consideration. The committee will review application materials until the position is filled.
The application must include:
The above materials are to be submitted in PDF format through the AGB Search Portal here: Montana State University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held strictly confidential; references will not be contacted without the applicant’s permission. Inquiries and nominations should be sent to MSUProvost@agbsearch.com or directed to:
Laura Woodworth-Ney, Ph.D.
Principal
laura.woodworth-ney@agbsearch.com
Andrew Bowen
Senior Executive Search Consultant
andrew.bowen@agbsearch.com
John E. Cech, Ph.D.
Executive Search Consultant
john.cech@agbsearch.com
Montana State University is an equal-opportunity institution. We do not discriminate against any person in employment, personnel relations, admission, or services because of the person's race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran per applicable federal, state and local laws. The College complies with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-318), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (P.L. 101- 336).