VPAA Leadership Searches

Open Searches

The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is currently searching for the following leadership positions.

Essential Studies Director

The Director of Essential Studies provides vision and leadership for this program, and advocates for excellence in general education for all undergraduate students at UND. The Director coordinates the program; collaborates with academic units in the development and ongoing validation of a broad array of Essential Studies courses; works closely with faculty, staff, and advisors to inspire innovative teaching and campus-wide understanding of the program; and communicates the value of the liberal arts and supports student success in interactions with individual students and the larger campus.

Working collaboratively, the Director will develop strategic initiatives and promote innovation across the undergraduate Essential Studies curriculum while ensuring its academic quality and integrity.

This search is being ran by Academic Search. Applications received by October 30, 2024 are assured consideration.The position will report to Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Student Success Karyn Plumm.

Essential Studies Director Search

College of Engineering and Mines Interim Dean 

The interim dean of CEM shall serve from January 2, 2025, until the effective start date of the next dean, or until removed by the provost. The anticipated start date for the next CEM dean will be July 1, 2025, or at the earliest date thereafter. Should the national search not produce a new dean for CEM, then the service of the interim dean may be extended at the discretion of the provost. Should the service of the interim dean be projected to extend beyond one full academic year, then the Office of the Provost will solicit performance feedback from faculty and staff in CEM on the activities and leadership of the interim dean; such feedback will inform any decision to continue the interim appointment beyond one year, should such an extension be necessary.

Interim Dean Candidate Minimum Qualifications for Consideration

• Be an associate or full professor at UND in good standing.
• Have at least three years of significant leadership and administrative experience at the level of program director, department chair, or equivalent.

Process

• Nominations will be accepted until 12 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2025. Nominations received after that date will not be considered. Nominations should be sent to the Office of the Provost in care of Heather Wages via email at heather.wages@UND.edu. Those who nominate others must first obtain the permission of the person they are nominating.
• Email sent from Heather Wages in the Office of the Provost to each nominee meeting the minimum qualifications listed above soliciting (1) letter of interest detailing qualifications and administrative and leadership experience, (2) CV, and (3) brief statement of leadership/administrative objectives. Letters of support are welcomed but not required. Materials must be received by 12 p.m.  on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Materials received after that date will not be considered. Materials received will be made public and subject to review.

Completed Searches

Chief Data Officer

After an internal search, Matthew Berosik has been appointed to the position of chief data officer and director of University Analytics & Planning at UND. Berosik has served the position in an interim capacity since August 2023. In his position as the director of University Analytics & Planning and CDO, Berosik will provide leadership for the data management, institutional reporting and strategic analytic processes of the University. He will help promote a culture of data-informed decision-making and strategic planning.The position will report to Vice Provost for Strategic Programming and Initiatives Jeff Holm. 

Dean for the College of Education and Human Development

After a nationwide search, UND Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link, named Dr. Shelbie Witte as the Dean for the College of Education and Human Development.  Witte’s appointment starts on July 1, 2024.  As the Dean of CEHD, Witte will provide leadership and facilitate an environment for accomplishing strategic goals, as well as aligning the functioning of the College with UND’s broader academic identity and strategic planning. In cooperation with the Provost, Dean Witte will be responsible for academic and administrative planning; budgeting; administration and implementation of department, College and university policies; and fund-raising and external relations. In partnership with the faculty, Dean Witte will be responsible for academic program development and review; faculty recruitment; development and evaluation of faculty; and student relations.

Director of the Honors Program

Merie Kirby has been appointed to the position of Director of the Honors Program at UND, assuming the leadership position on December 16, 2023. As director, Kirby will provide vision and leadership for the program and advocate for excellence in education for all Honors students at UND. She will collaborate with academic units in the development and ongoing creation of Honors courses and work closely with faculty, staff, and advisors to inspire innovative thesis projects and campus-wide understanding of the program. The position reports to the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success, Karyn Plumm.