Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Cornell College seeks nominations and applications for the position of provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. This senior leader will guide the academic vision of the college and oversee all academic programs, faculty, and academic administration.

The provost reports directly to the president and serves as a key member of the executive leadership team. In this role, the provost works closely with faculty and staff across campus to support academic excellence and student success.

This is an opportunity to lead a distinctive academic program shaped by Cornell’s One Course At A Time calendar. The next provost will join a collaborative community that values innovation, shared governance, and a strong sense of purpose.

Start Date: January 5, 2026 (preferred) or July 1, 2026 (latest)

About Cornell College

Cornell College is a selective liberal arts institution known for its distinctive One Course At A Time schedule, where students take one class at a time in immersive, focused blocks. This approach is part of our broader Ingenuity curriculum, which helps students connect ideas, solve real-world problems, and gain hands-on experience.

Our students come from across the U.S. and around the world, drawn by the academic intensity, the flexibility of our programs, and the opportunity to compete in NCAA Division III athletics. Cornell is located in Mount Vernon, Iowa—a vibrant small town in the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids corridor, offering both community charm and access to urban resources.

Cornell employees enjoy a fantastic benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, HSA & FSA accounts, a TIAA 403(b) retirement account, and tuition remission and exchange for employees and dependents. The college also offers life insurance, disability insurance, travel insurance, and accident insurance. And, all full-time staff begin with a 4-week vacation accrual along with 14.5 paid holidays per year.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a terminal degree and demonstrate:

• A distinguished record in teaching and scholarship
• Significant experience in academic administration
  
  

We Seek a Visionary Leader Who

• Inspires curricular innovation in collaboration with faculty
• Champions excellence in teaching, research, and creative work
• Understands the evolving mission of residential liberal arts colleges
• Advocates effectively for faculty and academic programs
• Is well-versed in accreditation, assessment, and academic best practices
• Builds strategic partnerships across campus
• Leads with transparency, collegiality, and inclusivity
  
  

Application Process

Candidates should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of five references. The search committee will keep applications and nominations confidential. References will not be contacted without prior approval from the candidate.

Review of applications will begin in late September and will continue until the position is filled.

Cornell is an AA/EO employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Cornell complies with Iowa's Smoke-Free Air Act, utilizes E-Verify, and requires the satisfactory completion of a background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.