Faculty Professor - Full-Time

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT - VPAA

The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ) announces its search for the position of a tenure-stream, full-time position as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor. UPJ seeks a highly experienced and tenured teacher-scholar and academic leader with administrative experience, including a minimum of 5 years at the level of Chair.

The VPAA oversees UPJ's seven Academic Divisions (Business and Enterprise, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Social Sciences). S/he plays a crucial role in developing, managing, and delivering academic programs, including overseeing faculty personnel matters and leadership of the Campus' academic priorities. Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) is the Chief Academic Officer of the UPJ and is a member of the President's cabinet.

ABOUT PITT-JOHNSTOWN

Founded in 1927, UPJ is the first and largest regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh and, since then, has become the leading anchor institution in the area and a foremost contributor to the region's educational, social, cultural, and economic development. Spanning over 650 picturesque acres at the heart of Richland Township, UPJ is about 70 miles from Pittsburgh and a few hours' drive from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Cleveland. UPJ's distinctive combination of our people, programs, and place results in exceptional performance in preparing students for career and professional success. Pitt-Johnstown's excellence is reflected in the wide-ranging accomplishments of talented students, faculty, and staff, the achievements of more than 23,000 alumni, the satisfaction of area employers, and the commendations of many external organizations.

Over the years, Pitt-Johnstown has received many accolades including – a college that increases lifetime earnings (Brookings Institution), a college that builds “in-demand job skills” (US News & World Report), a Military Friendly School (GI Jobs), and a “Best College in the Northeast” (The Princeton Review).  Pitt-Johnstown has been a “Best in the Northeast’ College for 12 consecutive years (Princeton Review).  Most recently, UPJ is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10 public regional college in the North and the 5th best veteran-friendly school (2024). With regard to critical metrics, UPJ’s retention and graduation rates generally exceed peer institutions, and the college has a record of excellent placement rates as well as very high licensure exam pass rates. UPJ is home to fifteen Mountain Cat Athletic Teams in the PSAC’s Division II, including several championship teams. These and other commendations reflect on our enviable reputation as a public-serving regional campus of a world-class institution that provides an educational program comparable to the finest public and private schools.

A vital anchor institution, Pitt-Johnstown contributes to strengthening our region and surrounding communities in myriad ways, including:

·         A statewide economic impact of about $135 million annually.

·         Sustaining 275 full-time and 200 part-time jobs, making Pitt-Johnstown a top 11 employer in Cambria County.

·         Educating over 2,000 students each year, including 93% who call Pennsylvania home.

·         Fueling our local workforce with 500 graduates each year in areas such as engineering and computer science, nursing and healthcare, teaching, business, and finance.

·         Around 80% of our graduates live and work in the Commonwealth. 

·         Growing a network of over 23,000 alumni, many of whom live in Cambria and surrounding counties.

·         Contributing to the social and cultural life in our area through supporting for the world-class Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center.

·         Contributing over 10,000 volunteer hours annually.  

·         Maintaining a Military Friendly School distinction thanks to a steadfast commitment to serving and supporting veterans.

Pitt-Johnstown helps so strengthen our community through collaborating with partners in numerous initiatives including: 

o   Quality of life initiatives related to expanding walking, hiking, and biking trails.  For example, completed REACHLand - a transformation sidewalk and trail project supporting activities related to: Recreation; the Environment; Academic institutions,  Commercial opportunities ; and Healthy-Living.

o   CODE for Commonwealth and Country to enhance digital literacy for workforce competitiveness, beginning in K-12 and beyond.

o   The Flood City Youth Fitness Academy and the “I Rise” Tutor and Mentor Program to provide academic support for students in the Johnstown community.

o   PITTchFEST to promote and invest in entrepreneurs, innovation and in enhancing our economy and community.

o   Pitt-Johnstown, together with our partners in Vision Together 2025, leading area businesses and K-12 institutions, is engaged in an extraordinary collaborative endeavor to establish a downtown center to boost workforce development, strengthen our local economy, and enhance quality of life. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

UPJ seeks a VPAA who meets the following criteria:

•        Doctorate or equivalent terminal degree

•         Minimum of five years of experience of academic administration at level of Chair.

•           A forward-thinking academic administrator who can implement the institution's vision through academic planning, effective program development, review, and assessment.

•           An enthusiastic proponent of the teacher-scholar-citizen model of faculty professional development who will support excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service and who will lead the continued development of best practices, including learning assessment.

•           A dedicated proponent of integrating theory into practice, fostering experiential learning, developing, and promoting internships and other practical experiences, capstones, and culminating projects consistent with the Campus' focus on success in the real world.

•           A committed supporter of undergraduate research who will foster the expansion of faculty-student collaborations and mentorships in research and creative activities and their integration into the curriculum.

•                    An effective leader in faculty personnel matters including faculty recruitment, professional development, retention, review and promotion, governance, and an understanding of faculty culture.

•           A passionate student advocate who demonstrates a thorough understanding of issues relating to student success and development and will support the work of colleagues in Student Affairs with a strong focus on freshmen-sophomore retention, high-quality advising, and improving graduation rates and student success generally.

•           An experienced fiscal manager with the ability to analyze data, engage in budget planning, and make prudent decisions in resource allocation.

•           An effective community-builder with demonstrated experience in helping to foster a more Welcoming, Inclusive, Safe Environment (WISE) for all.

•           An international education proponent with experience building global partnerships that promote student and scholar exchanges.

•           An effective colleague who can partner with internal and external stakeholders, including Admissions, Alumni Affairs, Athletics, Community Engagement

To apply, interested candidates should submit the following materials:

•        cover letter explaining interest and relevant experience that addresses the desired characteristics above and leadership experience to achieve/implement relevant goals in UPJ's Next Level Strategic Plan: Preparing for a New UPJ Century ,

•        complete curriculum vitae,

•        names, addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references,

•        copies of graduate grade transcripts (official transcripts will be needed later)

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but to ensure full consideration, please submit all materials by March 8, 2024.  Anticipated start of position will be July 1, 2024.  Curriculum Vitae will be reviewed upon submission. To learn more about the University, please visit www.pitt-johnstown.pitt.edu.

•        Cover letter explaining interest and relevant experience that addresses the desired characteristics above and leadership experience to achieve/implement relevant goals in UPJ's Next Level Strategic Plan: Preparing for a New UPJ Century,

•        Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references,

•        Copies of graduate grade transcripts (official transcripts will be needed later)

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.