Provost

La Sierra University seeks a collaborative and visionary academic leader to serve as Provost. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and an inspiring motivator who champions shared governance and distinguished scholarship, takes initiative, and excels at implementing sustainable academic and operational improvements in alignment with the university’s mission.

As the chief academic officer, the provost ensures that the university's commitment to academic excellence remains vibrant and strong. Working in collaboration with the academic deans, the faculty, and the Faculty Senate, the provost ensures the continued development of the university's academic program. As the chief operating officer, the provost works with the president and the chief financial officer, as well as the members of the senior leadership team, acting second only to the president to ensure that all university activities contribute to the fulfillment of the university's mission. As such, the provost is also the second officer of the university, reporting directly to the President, and serving as chief executive when the president is absent.

La Sierra University is located in Riverside, California, a vibrant city of nearly 321,000 residents located 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Riverside is home to four institutions of higher education and is the economic powerhouse of one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. La Sierra University is comprised of four schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business, the H.M.S. Richards Divinity School, and the School of Education. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in more than 125 degree programs and more than 24 pre-professional programs.

Carnegie classifies La Sierra University as a small “Professions-focused Undergraduate/ Graduate-Master's” institution. It is renowned for its commitment to service and the value-added experience of its students. Since 2007, the university has been recognized multiple times by the President’s Higher Education Honor Roll for Community Service. It has also been awarded a Carnegie Classification as a Community-Engaged Campus. For multiple years including 2025, the university has entered top-tier rankings including those by Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, and U.S. News & World Report, for categories including student Social Mobility, Value-Added, and Best Value.

Rooted in the Christian gospel and Seventh-day Adventist values and ideals, the University’s mission is

• To seek truth, enlarging human understanding through scholarship;
• To know God, ourselves, and the world through reflection, instruction, and mentoring;
• To serve others, contributing to the good of our local and global communities.

The successful candidate will

• Hold membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church,
• Hold an earned doctorate and have broad experience in post-secondary education, including the successful teaching, research, and scholarship equivalent to the rank of professor at La Sierra University,
• Exhibit proven experience as a senior administrator with a track record of transparent governance and effective implementation of academic and operational strategies,
• Demonstrate commitment to an integrative and interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate and graduate education,
• Possess a commitment to participatory shared governance,
• Apply fiscal and budgetary experience to the task of aligning resource allocation with institutional priorities,
• Show sensitivity to an inclusive vision for the needs of a diverse student body,
• Be a strategic thinker with the ability to clearly articulate vision, plans, and policies,
• Show a commitment to community engagement and external partnerships that enrich the university’s impact,
• Exhibit a collaborative, open-minded approach to leadership that fosters innovation and interdisciplinary education.

The position currently has a generous benefits package and a minimum starting salary of $130,728.25, which, depending upon the level of qualifications and experience, could reach the maximum salary of $160,500.00, plus a yearly travel allowance.

The search committee is beginning the review of candidates in Fall 2025 and will continue its work until the position is filled. Candidates for the position should apply through the automated system and submit the following: (1) a letter of interest addressing the qualifications outlined above, (2) a complete curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and contact information (telephone, email address) for at least three references. These materials should be included in the application submission.

Dr. Maury D. Jackson, Chair 

Provost Search Committee 

La Sierra University

4500 Riverwalk Parkway

Riverside, CA 92505

La Sierra University is a religiously qualified equal opportunity employer. Applications are especially encouraged from women, minorities, and those with disabilities.