Western Colorado University (Western) invites innovative, collaborative, and visionary academic leaders to apply for the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. This is an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking and student-centered educator to guide the University’s academic mission and help shape its next era of excellence in higher education.
The successful candidate will bring a record of academic leadership, a commitment to student success, and the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, campus leaders, and external stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, state agencies, and higher education partners. Western Colorado University recognizes that each candidate’s unique strengths, experiences, and academic background will contribute to the evolving needs of the role.
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains on Colorado’s Western Slope, Gunnison offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. With seemingly endless outdoor recreation opportunities and a vibrant ranching community, the area has something for everyone. The University and tourism are the key drivers of the economy, supported by the fact that approximately 80% of the county consists of gorgeous public lands. Agriculture also plays a significant role, with about two-thirds of private land dedicated to ranching operations.
The Rocky Mountains and the Gunnison Valley are not merely a breathtaking backdrop; they are an integral part of the student experience at Western. Our institution is proud to have an incomparable sense of place, derived from faculty, staff, students, and our local community embracing the magnificent beauty of nature embedded in the Western educational experience. This sense of place is a part of every person who joins the campus community. Students, faculty, and staff who choose Western possess the values of courage, growth, integrity, stewardship, and inclusivity. These qualities are developed and deepened through an experience focused on connection and relationships in classes with an average size of 17 students.
In the summer, the Gunnison River and the Blue Mesa Reservoir are playgrounds for rafting, swimming, fishing, sailing, and motorboating. Mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners can explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, some easily accessible from campus. In winter, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, half an hour away, is bustling with skiers from all over the world. A free bus — with a stop on campus — transports students, faculty, and staff to and from the resort. Western is also a 40-minute drive from the ski terrain of Monarch Mountain, situated on the Continental Divide.
The University and the Gunnison Valley community have a symbiotic relationship with a rich texture of intellectual discovery and the vibrancy of student learning. The Gunnison Valley provides the University with opportunities for experiential learning and exploration. The University enhances the intellectual curiosity of the valley, broadens its diversity, and provides an array of enrichment and entertainment opportunities through lectures, performances, workshops, and athletic events.
Gunnison County Snapshot
Gunnison County (pop. 17,300) has three main municipalities: Gunnison, a city with a population of about 6,800; Crested Butte, a town of about 1,700; and Mt. Crested Butte, with a population of about 1,000. Gunnison is 200 miles southwest of Denver, the state’s capital.
To Learn More About the Area
Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce
Gunnison/Crested Butte Tourism
Gunnison Watershed School District
Western has invested meaningfully in first-year retention and seen success here. Opportunities exist to improve student progression in years two and three and through graduation. The next provost will help Western become a fully student-ready institution, one that adapts its structures, teaching approaches, and support systems to meet the evolving needs of today’s diverse learners. This includes supporting the new general education program launching in Fall 2026, fostering inclusive teaching and accessibility practices, and deepening partnerships between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. With a small student body where every individual matters, coordinated retention initiatives and data-informed interventions will be essential to achieving enrollment stability and vibrance across the academic enterprise.
Faculty and staff are deeply committed to Western’s mission and unique assets. Simultaneously, macroeconomic trends have an impact on daily life. This era requires a leader who brings transparency, calm judgment, intellectual humility, and, when needed, the ability to deliver difficult news clearly and compassionately. The new provost will be charged with clarifying and communicating how resources are allocated, improving workflow and process efficiencies, strengthening cross-division collaboration, and modeling trust-building behaviors. As Western navigates multiple promising new initiatives and academic offerings, campus stakeholders seek a stabilizing presence who helps the institution avoid initiative overload and focuses on nurturing sustainable and effective practices.
Through our unique location and combination of small classes, hands-on learning, real-world application, and an inclusive student experience, we deliver an education that better meets what the market demands.
Public University featuring liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs
Coed residential campus that serves approximately 4,000 students through residential, hybrid, and online programs
Located in picturesque Gunnison, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains
More than 25 majors, nine graduate programs, over 30 accelerated degree programs, and partnerships with other state schools
President
Western Colorado University
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Gunnison, CO 81231
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