Executive Vice President & Provost Search
Summary
Methodist University (MU) invites applications and nominations for the position of executive vice president & provost. This search represents a pivotal moment in the University’s 70-year history as it seeks an authentic, visible, student-centered, entrepreneurial, strategic, and relationship-oriented partner to ensure Methodist University sustains its institutional momentum.
Reporting directly to President-elect Suzanne Blum Malley, PhD (currently serving as executive vice president & provost), the next chief academic officer will embrace the complexity of a small, regional university with undergraduate liberal arts and professional programs and a graduate program portfolio that includes master’s- and doctoral-level graduate professional programs. MU programs are offered on the 617-acre Fayetteville, North Carolina campus, at the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, at the Fort Bragg Education Center, and online. As a private institution with an ambitious roadmap, Methodist University is uniquely positioned to be among the leading institutions in the nation that transforms this complexity into ways to better serve its students and the wider community.
The successful candidate will join a strong and experienced senior team, distinguished and innovative faculty, and dedicated staff committed to student success and to the future of MU as a vital partner and contributor to the surrounding region.
Search Timeline
- Mid-September 2026: Search Committee kickoff meeting and campus listening sessions
- Mid-October: Ads posted and recruitment launched
- December 12, 2026: Application deadline
- Late January 2027: Semi-Final interviews
- Early February 2027: Finalist interviews on campus
- February 2027: EVP & provost announced
Search Committee
- J.R. Hustwit, PhD, dean, College of Arts, Humanities, & Sciences – Search Committee chair
- Tat Chan, PhD, dean, College of Business, Technology, & Professional Studies
- Meredith Gronski, OTD, dean, College Health Sciences & Human Services
- Hershey Bell, MD, dean, College of Medicine/founding dean, Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine
- William Walker, EdD, vice president of Student Affairs & dean of students
- Keri Walters, associate provost for Student Success
- Denise Bauer, PhD, head and professor, Division of Engineering & Environmental Studies, Faculty Senate chair
- Josh Freeman, assistant professor of Occupational Health & Safety, Faculty Senate vice chair
- Candice Phillips, PhD, assistant professor of Nursing, Faculty Senate Secretary
- Emily Leverett, PhD, professor of English, Faculty Senate Executive Committee at-large representative
- Dan Bennett, associate professor of Mathematics, Faculty Senate Executive Committee at-large representative
Provost Search Navigation
-
The Institutional Opportunity
Institutional background and context, the President-Elect, and University strategic initiatives
-
EVP & Provost Position Profile
The executive vice president (EVP) & provost serves as the chief strategic partner to the president, participating in all major decisions affecting the campus.
News Highlights
Core Curriculum with a Calling: MU Launches New Vocational Curriculum
A new curriculum is reshaping how Methodist University students approach not just their education, but life. This fall, MU has rolled out the “Life on Purpose” core curriculum.
Palomar Serves Beyond the Uniform
When Eric Palomar retired from the United States Army after 21 years of service, he found himself at a crossroads many veterans quietly face.
Why Choose the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine?
Choosing a medical school is one of the most important decisions a future physician will make. Students seek a program that not only prepares them academically, but prepares them to become practice-ready clinicians capable of serving the needs of Southeastern North Carolina and beyond.
From Small Town to MU to Tech Career Success
Growing up in the small town of Troy, N.C., class of 2017 graduate Vincent “Chae” Awong-Cole didn’t always see a clear path to his future career, nor was he fully aware of the opportunities available to him.
MU Occupational Therapy Graduate Earns Doctorate in Midst of Health Battle
In the midst of a kidney disease battle, Tajze Johnson '24 will earn his doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Methodist University this weekend.
Raising the Barr: Methodist University Senior Leaves Lasting Mark
If you have visited Methodist University over the past few years or attended recent campus events, you’ve probably seen Corey Barr. If you follow MU on social media, you’ve definitely seen Corey Barr.
Research on Display: MU Hosts CRC Symposium
Methodist University hosted its 15th Annual Center for Research and Creativity Symposium (CRC) this week. The series showcased student research and creativity throughout campus.