The University of Tennessee at Martin has launched national searches for three critical academic leadership positions that will assist in shaping the institution’s future. The university is seeking the provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, as well as deans for two major colleges, with all positions expected to be filled by the end of 2025.
The provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs serves as the university’s top-ranking academic officer and provides strategic and visionary leadership to advance UT Martin’s academic mission. This senior-level position oversees the entire academic division, including all colleges, departments and supporting units. The position became available following the departure of Dr. Philip Cavalier, who left UT Martin to assume the presidency of Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. Dr. Stephanie Kolitsch is serving as transitional provost during the search process.
Ashlie Czyz, director of human resources programs and executive recruiter for the University of Tennessee System, is serving as executive recruiter for this position. Interested candidates should contact Czyz at aczyz@tennessee.edu for complete position requirements and application procedures. The description for the position can be found at this site.
The university is also conducting a search for a dean of the College of Business and Global Affairs. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership for the college’s AACSB-accredited programs, including accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management and information systems. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide, held by 6% of business programs globally.
This leadership opportunity comes as the university has secured approval and funding to construct a new state-of-the-art Business Administration Building, with completion expected in 2030. The position was previously held by Dr. Ahmad Tootoonchi, who recently retired. Dr. Joey Mehlhorn, dean of graduate studies and professor of agriculture, is serving as interim dean during the search.
WittKieffer, a national executive search firm, is assisting in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by Sept. 17, 2025. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal and include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
Additionally, UT Martin seeks a dean for the College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences. The dean will lead a diverse college that houses the university’s teacher education, nursing, social sciences, and health and human performance programs, as well as the interdisciplinary studies degree that provides a flexible undergraduate program for working adults to connect relevant experience and academic knowledge.
The college serves as a premier provider of classroom teachers for Tennessee schools and is home to the university’s highly regarded nursing program, which maintains excellent licensure pass rates and job placement statistics. Cindy West currently serves as dean and will continue in the role until the end of the calendar year, ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership.
WittKieffer is also assisting UT Martin in this search. Application materials should be submitted via email to UTennMartinDeanCEHBS@wittkieffer.com and include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. The deadline to apply is Oct. 1.
Live links to the application information referenced in this story are available in the story’s online version posted under the Campus News heading at www.utm.edu. UT Martin is a primary regional campus in the University of Tennessee System offering 23 undergraduate degree programs that include 142 specialized concentrations and eight graduate degrees featuring 30 specialized concentrations. In addition to the main campus, the university has six regional centers in Jackson, Parsons, Selmer, Ripley, Somerville and Springfield. UT Martin Online offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, including the online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree for working adults.
