Metropolitan State University of Denver is expediting and streamlining the search for its next permanent provost, President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., announced in a message to University employees Monday.
Acknowledging the frustration caused by multiple leadership changes in the Provost’s Office in recent years and citing “extraordinary political and budgetary challenges” facing MSU Denver, Davidson emphasized the need for continuity and stability in academic leadership.
“It’s clear from my extensive conversations with faculty and staff members in recent weeks that our community is weary of time-consuming searches and desires continuity, stable leadership and a swift and transparent search process,” she said.
The provost is the University’s top academic officer, who shapes the institution’s academic vision and priorities. The provost leads the University’s five schools and colleges and more than 1,500 faculty members.
Longtime faculty leader Matt Makley, Ph.D., has been serving as interim provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs since January, following the departure of Laura Niesen de Abruña, Ph.D., from the role.
A shift toward transparency and efficiency
Unlike previous national searches led by external firms, this process will be managed internally, allowing for a faster timeline and more cost-efficient process. Additionally, instead of keeping the names of finalists confidential — a common practice in firm-led searches — the top two or three candidates will be publicly announced and will participate in open forums before a final decision is made.
The job posting for MSU Denver’s provost is now open to both internal and external candidates.
Davidson expressed her gratitude to MSU Denver’s faculty, staff, students and community members for their input in shaping the process.
“I appreciate your sustained commitment to our mission and for continuing to embody the values that keep us moving forward together,” she said.
Search committee and timeline
The search committee will be chaired by Chief of Staff Edward Brown and will include representatives from across the University, including:
- Sam Jay, Ph.D. (Academic Affairs and Student Affairs representative)
- Jess Retrum, Ph.D. (department chairs representative)
- Elizabeth Hinde, Ph.D. (deans representative)
- Liz Goodnick, Ph.D. (Faculty Senate representative)
- Ruby Matheny (Staff Senate representative)
- Hailey Glass (The Student Advocacy Council/student representative)
The search process will move quickly:
- March 17 – Position posted.
- April 4 – Application window closes.
- March 17-April 11 – Search committee reviews applications.
- April 11 – Committee recommends two to three finalists to Davidson.
- April 14-18 – Open forums for all candidates.
- April 24 – Final candidate announced and presented to the President’s Cabinet.
