Career Center

The University of Kentucky (UK) invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Provost for Graduate and Professional Education and Dean of the Graduate School. This person will execute an innovative, robust vision to prepare UK graduate and professional education for the future.1 This person will also expand professional development activities for graduate students and post-doctoral scholars for careers in a broad array of disciplines and industries. This person will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas, but especially in recruitment and programmatic activities within the Graduate School as well as those that cross disciplines and colleges. This individual will serve the Graduate School as well as the entire campus, representing graduate and professional education to the entire university and outside constituencies. Reporting directly to the Provost, the Associate Provost and Dean will provide strong leadership and strategic direction for the Graduate School, ensuring growth and programmatic expansion.

As Associate Provost, the primary responsibilities include the following:

Lead the development and implementation of a vision for excellence in graduate education.

Promote the creation of new graduate transdisciplinary programs that are responsive to the workforce needs of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.

Work with the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) to identify and develop synergies between graduate education, research, and scholarly creative activity. Participate in leadership meetings and discussions with OVPR to coordinate and align the research infrastructure with graduate education.

Collaborate with the Vice President for Student Success in areas such as mental health and well-being, student progression, and career development across the spectrum of disciplines that addresses the marketplace needs for our graduate students, professional students, and post-doctoral trainees.

Collaborate with the Vice President for Institutional Diversity on diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies for graduate education.

Raise awareness of graduate and professional programs and measure the impact of programs in collaboration with the Office for Strategic Planning and Institutional Effective-ness and the Office of Institutional Research, Analytics, and Decision Support to develop new strategies for sustainability of graduate student development.

Represent graduate education in meetings with the Provost and Associate Provosts.

As Dean, the primary responsibilities include the following:

Serve as a key resource for all graduate students and provide administrative support
for structures that empower individual programs—both traditional and online, to ensure alignment with the current needs of the programs and the requirements of accreditation.

Serve as an internal and external advocate for the Graduate School and its academic units.

Participate in faculty shared governance; interact with the Undergraduate, Graduate and Health Care Colleges Councils, and Senate Council, as needed.

Lead Graduate School staff in the administration of processes and procedures that have a campus-wide impact.

Lead and support the Martin and Patterson Schools, including oversight of the new undergraduate program in the Martin School

Working with the Provost and Vice President for Research, administer a system for tuition scholarships for teaching and research assistants.

Advocate for and administer the Graduate School's budget and lead efforts in fundraising and strategic planning.

Represent the Graduate School in leadership meetings, including Provost's Council and others.


Parker Executive Search is assisting the University of Kentucky in the search for the Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Provost for Graduate and Professional Education. To be considered, you must complete the UK application and contact Parker Executive Search through:

Porsha Williams: [email protected] OR Erin Raines: [email protected]

Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted prior to August 1, 2022.

The University of Kentucky considers the health, safety and well-being of our entire community to be a top priority. In alignment with this priority, all new hires must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption as a condition of employment. For areas that fall under the federal CMS mandate, start of employment cannot occur until two weeks after receiving the full COVID-19 vaccination series or upon obtaining an approved exemption. Only vaccines approved by the World Health Organization can be accepted.

The successful candidate will exhibit an unrelenting commitment to excellence in graduate education; exceptional leadership, communication, and planning skills; administrative, budgeting, and managerial ability; an inclusive, collaborative, respectful, and anticipatory predisposition; and a creative problem-solving capacity.

Ph.D. or other terminal degree along with the academic credentials and record of scholarly achievement that merits tenure at the Professor level at UK.

A proven track record of progressive and successful leadership in education, research, service, and administrative management.

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The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.