Pierpont Community & Technical College
Fairmont, West Virginia
The President’s Office of Pierpont Community & Technical College invites applications for the position of Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. The College seeks a strategic, student‑centered academic leader with extensive senior‑level experience who will provide executive leadership for academic excellence, faculty success, and workforce‑aligned education. The next Provost will advance Pierpont’s mission of delivering accessible, high‑quality education and training that enriches lives and strengthens the economic vitality of North Central West Virginia and the state as a whole.
About the College
Established in 1974, Pierpont Community & Technical College is a comprehensive public institution dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities throughout North Central West Virginia. The College fulfills this mission by providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational opportunities that respond to the evolving needs of students, employers, and the regional economy.
Originally established as part of Fairmont State University, Pierpont became an independent institution in 2021, marking a significant milestone in its evolution as a stand-alone community and technical college within West Virginia’s higher education system. The College continues to advance its role as a leader in workforce preparation, academic excellence, and community engagement.
Pierpont is committed to the success of every learner. Its academic and technical programs are designed to prepare students for gainful employment, career advancement, and transfer to four-year institutions. The College serves a diverse student population that includes first-generation college students, adult learners returning to higher education, and individuals pursuing new career pathways. Through flexible scheduling, innovative instructional delivery, and comprehensive student support services, Pierpont creates an inclusive environment that promotes equity, persistence, and achievement.
More than 2,000 students are enrolled annually in one of Pierpont’s three academic schools: the School of Business, Aviation, and Technology; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of General Education and Professional Studies. Collectively, these schools offer more than 50 programs of study leading to an Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, or Certificate of Applied Science, as well as a variety of short-term skill set programs that align with regional workforce needs. Program areas include, but are not limited to, aviation maintenance technology, advanced welding, early childhood education, applied process technology, liberal studies, food service management, and a variety of health sciences programs.
Pierpont’s service area encompasses 13 counties across North Central West Virginia, with instruction delivered at multiple educational centers, career and technical schools, and community sites. This regional presence allows the College to extend its reach and strengthen its impact on economic and workforce development.
The College maintains a strong tradition of partnership and collaboration. Working closely with business and industry, K-12 school systems, government agencies, and community organizations, Pierpont ensures that its programs remain responsive to labor market demands and emerging economic opportunities. In doing so, the College contributes to the vitality of the region and fosters the development of skilled, informed, and engaged citizens who positively influence their communities and workplaces.
Through its commitment to educational excellence, workforce relevance, and community service, Pierpont Community & Technical College continues to exemplify its mission of providing accessible, responsive, comprehensive education that works.
About the Region
Pierpont Community & Technical College serves a 13-county region in North Central West Virginia, a part of the state known for its scenic landscapes, rich history, and growing economic opportunities. The region offers an exceptional quality of life where mountain views meet modern innovation, and community pride drives progress.
From the rolling hills of Marion, Harrison, and Monongalia Counties to the mountain valleys of Upshur, Barbour, Lewis, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, the area features abundant outdoor recreation and breathtaking natural beauty. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking and kayaking at Valley Falls, Audra, and Tygart Lake State Parks, skiing at Canaan Valley and Timberline, or exploring the Monongahela National Forest and countless local trails, rivers, and scenic byways.
Alongside its natural charm, the region is experiencing growth across multiple sectors. Aerospace, advanced manufacturing, energy, health care, information technology, and tourism are expanding rapidly, supported by a skilled workforce and strong partnerships among education, industry, and community leaders. Employers in aviation maintenance, precision machining, and renewable energy have established a strong presence along the I-79 corridor, while local hospitals, health systems, and technology firms continue to create new opportunities for graduates.
Historic towns such as Buckhannon, Philippi, Weston, Grafton, and Elkins add cultural vibrancy with festivals, local dining, and downtown revitalization efforts. Affordable living, safe neighborhoods, and short commutes make North Central West Virginia a place where people truly enjoy both work and life.
Centrally located within 90 minutes of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and two hours from Charleston, West Virginia, Pierpont’s region offers easy access to metropolitan amenities while maintaining the warmth and beauty of Appalachian living. It’s a place where innovation meets tradition—an ideal environment to live, learn, and lead.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
General Job Summary
The Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs is a strategic, student-centered leader. The Provost serves as Pierpont’s Chief Academic Officer, responsible for shaping academic vision, supporting educational excellence, and aligning instructional programs with the institutional mission and state priorities. Reporting to the President, the Provost provides executive leadership for all educational programming and instruction, curriculum development, academic support services, faculty development, and student engagement efforts that strengthen retention and completion. The Provost provides the coherence, quality, and continuous improvement of the College’s academic enterprise. The Provost will bring clarity, accountability, and a strong commitment to workforce alignment, transfer pathways, and student success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide executive leadership for all academic programs, including transfer, career education, and workforce training
- Lead academic planning, program development, review, and discontinuation using data and labor market demand
- Provide instructional quality and student learning outcomes through assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement
- Oversee faculty recruitment, development, evaluation, and engagement
- Supervise academic deans and directors and support strong academic leadership across divisions
- Provide compliance with regional and programmatic accreditation standards and lead accreditation efforts
- Collaborate with Student Services colleagues to strengthen enrollment, retention, persistence, and completion strategies
- Advance dual enrollment, early college, and K12 partnerships to build strong student pipelines
- Expand partnerships with employers to co-design curriculum and embed work-based learning
- Support innovation in delivery models, including online, hybrid, and accelerated formats
- Lead development and implementation of academic policies and shared governance processes
- Use data to guide decision-making related to enrollment, student success, and program performance
- Manage academic budgets and allocate resources aligned with institutional priorities and state funding models
- Represent the college in local, state, and national academic and workforce initiatives
- Build trust with faculty, staff, and partners through clear communication and follow-through
- Advance a culture of collaboration, shared governance, and continuous improvement
- Align academic strategy with workforce needs and community priorities
- Essential Job Duties are intended to be examples of duties and are not intended to be all-inclusive. There may be other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Understanding of the community college mission and ability to translate strategy into action.
- Demonstrated experience in budget administration and resource management
- Proven ability to lead collaborative teams and manage complex organizational initiatives
- Demonstrated effectiveness as an advocate for academic programs, faculty, and students
- Experience in curriculum and program development and evaluation of instructional quality and outcomes
- Knowledge of adult learning theory and student-centered instructional practices
- Knowledge of accreditation standards, preferably HLC, and continuous improvement processes
- Familiarity with state systems, policies, and funding models, including WVCTCS preferred
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Successful completion of a criminal background check
- Ability to lead with transparency, consistency, and accountability
Education and Experience
- A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum of five years of progressive administrative experience in a community college, including leadership at the Dean level or higher. A minimum of five years of teaching experience at the college level.
- A doctorate from an accredited institution, experience as a chief academic officer or senior academic leader, and experience with workforce development, grants, and externally funded initiatives are preferred
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and utilize typical office equipment, including computers, telephones, and video conferencing technology for extended periods. Capacity to remain stationary (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods during meetings, presentations, and events.
- Ability to move about campus and between facilities as needed to attend meetings, events, and academic functions. Occasional travel may be required, including the ability to operate a motor vehicle or utilize public or private transportation.
- Ability to lift and carry light materials (typically up to 10–15 pounds), such as documents, laptops, or presentation materials. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to review documents, engage in meetings, and interact with others in various settings.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following materials for full consideration:
- A cover letter that addresses their interest in the position and speaks directly to the leadership qualities described in this profile, incorporating specific examples of actions, accomplishments, and results achieved in previous roles
- A current curriculum vitae
- Contact information for five professional references
- Unofficial transcripts for all earned degrees (official transcripts required upon hire)
All required documents must be emailed to president@pierpont.edu.
For best consideration, applications should be received by May 15, 2026.
Questions?
Contact gperich@pierpont.edu with questions or concerns.
Disclaimer
This description does not state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties to be performed by the position incumbent. Employees are required to follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related activities assigned by their supervisor. Most requirements are subject to possible modification in order to provide a reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, students, other employees, or the general public.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial and respectful environment that values the contributions of all staff.
Provost Search Timeline
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Apr. 30, 2026 | Position posted and advertised. |
| May 14, 2026 | Priority consideration deadline. Position will remain open until filled. |
| Week of May 18, 2026 | Review the pool of candidates. |
| Week of May 26 or June 1, 2026 | Initial screening interviews. |
| Week of June 8 or June 15, 2026 | Secondary and Tertiary interviews. |
| July 1, 2026 | Tentative start date. |
| Timeline subject to change. | |