Lenoir-Rhyne University (LRU) and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) invite applications and nominations for the position of Provost of the Lenoir-Rhyne School of Theology. Lenoir-Rhyne and Southern Seminary, two institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), anticipate completing a merger into a single institution in the summer of 2012. The expected merger will result in LTSS becoming part of the School of Theology of LRU, the first such affiliation of an ELCA seminary with a college or university.

A complete job description and other information on LTSS, LRU, and the anticipated merger can be found at http://hr.lr.edu/jobs and at http://www.ltss.edu/visitors_and_friends/career_opportunities/

LRU and LTSS seek a visionary leader to direct the formation of a unified School of Theology encompassing the existing programs of LTSS and the undergraduate programs in religion and theology at LRU on two campuses, in Columbia, SC, and Hickory, NC. The ideal candidate will have a distinguished record of academic teaching and scholarship, administrative experience and skills, and outreach skills. Minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate and ordination in the ELCA.

The Provost of the School of Theology will be the chief academic and administrative officer of the School. She or he will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to develop one of the premier seminaries in the country. The Provost will be primarily located in Columbia, South Carolina.

The Provost of the School of Theology will report directly to the President of the University and will be a senior member of the university administration. She or he will work closely with the Provost of the University and the Vice Presidents for Administration & Finance, Enrollment Management, and Institutional Advancement.

In addition to the Board of Trustees of the University, the School of Theology, and especially the Seminary, will work closely with an Advisory Council. The Provost will take a leadership role in this interaction.

Founded in 1830, LTSS is one of eight seminaries of the ELCA. It has prepared leaders for the church through quality theological education in a community environment. Southern Seminary strives to teach, form, and nurture its students to be public ministers ready to serve from day one of a call. A beautiful and peaceful 17-acre campus in the heart of a bustling capital city is only part of the history of Southern Seminary. The true history can be found in the lives and communities that have benefited from the leadership of graduates formed at Southern Seminary. More information can be found at www.ltss.edu

Founded in 1891, Lenoir-Rhyne University is one of 26 universities and colleges of the ELCA. LRU has a long and distinguished history of maintaining its partnership with the ELCA and has historically been a national leader in preparing undergraduates for seminary study. LRU enrolls almost 1900 students, including 250 graduate students, at its campus in Hickory and is experiencing unprecedented growth and financial success. A new campus for graduate studies will open in Asheville in Fall 2012. More information can be found at www.lr.edu.

To complete the online application (required), candidates are directed to: http://hr.lr.edu/employment/staff

While completing the application, candidates will be prompted to submit a Letter of Application, and a Curriculum Vitae (including the names and addresses of three professional references). The application letter should discuss specifically how one's professional experiences and perspectives relate to the needs of the position, of LTSS, and of Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Review of applicants will begin on March 1, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.

Lenoir-Rhyne University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all genders and ethnic groups.