Greenwood Asher & Associates Leading Provost Search for Florida Gulf Coast University
March 3, 2025 – Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates was recently selected by Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) to lead in its search for an executive vice president and provost. Leading the assignment are Julie Schrodt, senior executive search consultant, and Jim Johnsen, vice president of executive search. This executive provides vision and leadership in all matters relating to academic programs and the pursuit of academic excellence at FGCU. They serves as the university’s chief executive officer in the absence of the president.
The provost will join FGCU at a critical moment in the university’s trajectory as it continues to expand excellence in academic and student success initiatives. They are charged with supporting more than 635 faculty members in six colleges with more than 95 programs and will play a vital role in implementation of FGCU’s ambitious 2024-2029 strategic plan.
The ideal candidate for provost will be deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. This individual must be forward-looking and possess strong strategic thinking capabilities, with a proven ability to navigate complex issues. They will be proactive in cultivating an environment that encourages and sustains innovation in academic affairs and collaboration with other parts of the university.
Greenwood Asher & Associates notes that an earned doctoral degree or appropriate terminal degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization is preferred for this role. Eight years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration with at least three years in a senior academic management role is also preferred.
Here are some more qualifications and traits that Florida Gulf Coast University desires for this important position:
- Full-time teaching experience and a record of scholarship sufficient to support appointment at the level of full professor.
- A record of proven academic, operational, and administrative success. Ø Experience with regional and program accreditation requirements and processes.
- Experience in curriculum development and implementation, faculty development, evaluation and promotion.
- Experience as a senior administrator, provost or equivalent in a growing and developing university.
- Experience with information technology in higher education as it related to curriculum delivery, assessment, and student support.
- Experience leading innovative and collaborative practices that drive student and academic metrics.
- Experience obtaining support from extramural funding agencies.
Florida Gulf Coast University is a public university in Lee County, FL. It offers 58 bachelor’s degree programs, 25 master’s degree programs, six doctoral degree programs, and 12 graduate certificates. In 1991, Charles B. Edwards, chair of the board of regents, lobbied the Florida Legislature to pass legislation recommending that Florida’s 10th state university be built in the Florida Southwest Region. Florida governor Lawton Chiles signed the bill authorizing the school in May 1991.
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Greenwood Asher & Associates is an executive search firm with a diverse consulting team and extensive experience in executive search, consulting, and training for education markets including elementary, secondary, higher education, university systems, campuses and non-profit organizations including associations, service, and cultural institutions. The firm was acquired in 2020 by Kelly Education, a global leader in workforce management solutions offering staffing services to top companies.
Higher Educations Veterans
Ms. Schrodt’s responsibilities include coordinating the development of the search, recruiting candidates, referencing, and presenting a qualified candidate pool of candidates to the search committee. Previously she was executive director of strategic communications at Northwest Florida State College.
Mr. Johnsen serves Greenwood Asher & Associates and its clients by developing partnerships informed by his background in, and passion for, leadership in higher education, business, and government. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a senior fellow at the National Association of System Heads (NASH), lecturer in the School of Management at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, commissioner for the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, and Alaska representative to the State Higher Education Executive Officers.
Currently Underway
Greenwood Asher & Associates was recently retained by Southeast Missouri State University to lead in its search for its 19th president. The school seeks a dynamic leader who will provide strategic leadership to continue to advance the university’s identity as a comprehensive institution, recognized for excellence in education, research, engagement, and creativity. The president reports to the board of governors and serves as the chief executive officer of the university, embracing the core values of integrity, collegiality, leadership development, support of scholarship and enthusiasm that are exemplified across the institution.
The ideal candidate will have expertise in leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and legislative relations. Those applying should have experience managing and establishing priorities for complex budgets and a demonstrated ability to introduce and implement innovative funding initiatives. They must have a strong commitment to student success and innovative teaching practices involving students of every inter-sectional cultural background. Greenwood Asher is looking for candidates with a strong commitment to student success and innovative teaching practices involving students of every inter-sectional cultural background.
Related: Greenwood Asher & Associates Places Provost at George Mason University
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
