KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Craft and execute an inspiring vision for the liberal arts and sciences at the U
The LAS units have achieved remarkable growth and accomplishment. The new VP/SD will build upon this robust foundation by collaborating closely with University leadership, the LAS Deans, campus and the wider community to develop a visionary path forward that champions the liberal arts and sciences and embodies the U’s commitment to excellence, access and impact while addressing the ever-evolving challenges of the 21st century. The VP/SD will advance the LAS units as an intellectual hub and also articulate how the liberal arts and sciences actively address society's most pressing issues through cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and forward-thinking pedagogical approaches, ensuring that the LAS units continue to be a preferred destination for a broad portfolio of students and faculty.

Elevate education in the liberal arts and sciences to continue attracting students
The LAS units have experienced steady growth in student enrollment. At a time when the state of LAS education is a major topic in public discourse about higher education, the U and the LAS units are ideally positioned to lead. The VP/SD will lead conversations on the power of liberal arts and sciences education as a vital tool for navigating today's complex world. The VP/SD will also be a strategist, observing the higher education landscape and seizing the opportunities it presents to position the LAS units to capitalize on new insights about the growth potential of graduate degrees and certificate programs in different modalities as means to continue attracting new in-person and online students. Furthermore, the VP/SD will support high-impact practices, such as experiential learning and study abroad opportunities, and will encourage innovative pedagogical approaches to ensure that LAS education at the U sets the standard for excellence, relevance, and societal impact.

Drive transformative research to accelerate the academic prominence of the LAS units
As the U has grown into a national leader in research, scholarship and innovation, the LAS units have contributed to this through distinguished faculty, including world-renowned scholars and nationally recognized experts spanning the disciplines. The VP/SD plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards for faculty research and scholarship and continuing to expand external research funding, with a goal of steadily increasing growth in the next five years. The VP/SD will also foster a culture that celebrates and invests in all scholarly and creative activities, particularly emphasizing interdisciplinary collaborations. To facilitate this, the VP/SD will enhance services to support faculty in securing major grants, providing the necessary space and equipment and internal supports, and promoting research with significant public and community impact, including research that will benefit the state of Utah.

Advance student success with a focus on persistence, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes
The U’s north star is an unwavering commitment to student success. The U has set ambitious targets, aiming for a 90% first-year retention rate and graduation rate exceeding 80%. To advance the U’s impact and reputation, the VP/SD must continually refine support and services for all of our student populations, including online. As student populations expand and change, the VP/SD will collaborate with the Provost office to enhance and expand student success efforts. This includes ensuring an administrative support structure that provides adequate student services and financial support for all LAS units.

Invest strategically to empower a world-class faculty and staff
At the heart of the LAS units’ legacy is the commitment of its faculty and staff. To enable the ongoing delivery of high-quality education and research, the VP/SD will support efforts to invest in world-class faculty and will work to ensure all faculty receive the resources and space needed for their success, including graduate student support. The VP/SD will act on the U’s commitment to support all faculty members in their pursuit of scholarship, research, teaching, and service, including investing in additional hires and the professional development of faculty and staff within the University. Above all, the VP/SD will cultivate a culture of excellence and mutual respect across the LAS units that acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of all faculty and staff.

Foster resources to fuel the LAS unit ambitions
The VP/SD will work closely with the President, the Provost, the LAS Deans and senior leadership at the University to identify and advocate for appropriate resources and a sustainable budget model that supports the continued success of the LAS units and the University. The VP/SD will be a careful steward of existing resources. This will require a combination of skillful and creative budgeting, appropriate investment to support enrollment and research growth, proactive fundraising from philanthropic sources, familiarity with various funding sources, and careful evaluation and expansion of programs to manage income. The VP/SD must connect with the philanthropic community and the alumni base to support the LAS units’ success in fundraising.

Deepen cross-campus collaboration to propel the U’s broader mission
The U is focused on solving society’s greatest challenges, most of which require interdisciplinary approaches and solutions. The LAS units play a pivotal role in these endeavors, as the depth and breadth of its reach are intrinsically linked to the U’s overarching goals. Recognizing this, the VP/SD will critically engage in the broader institutional agenda, amplify interdisciplinary and cross-unit research opportunities, strengthen existing partnerships, and expand collaborations across the University. The VP/SD will work closely with university leadership to establish incentives and structures that facilitate and empower these collaborative efforts, driving the U toward a future defined by societal impact.

Engage deeply in local, national, and global communities to amplify impact and reputation
The University mission is directly tied to the economic, social, and cultural vitality of Utah and the growing Salt Lake City metropolitan area. The VP/SD must be a thought leader who will engage locally and nationally about the value of liberal arts and sciences education and research. The VP/SD will be an inspirational and respected ambassador of the LAS units internally and externally, developing strong partnerships with national and state leaders to define opportunities for collaboration and investment that will meaningfully impact the region and nation. The remarkable growth and changing demographics in Utah presents a unique landscape that offers the VP/SD an extraordinary chance to work with the deans and University leadership to craft forward-thinking initiatives that can serve as a national blueprint for addressing and influencing local and global challenges.