The current role of the provost in higher education was investigated to gather data for discussion of the adoption of the provost title at Chicago State University (CSU). The study was based on analyses of the institutional entries in HEW's 1976-77 Education Directory and 1971-72 Directory and on the responses to questionnaires sent to those institutions listing provost titles in 1976-77. The directory analyses showed just 6.5% of institutions listing provosts. At institutions with CSU's characteristics the title's use is minimal. The literature implied a diversity in the use of the title and ambiguity in its meaning, implications confirmed by the questionnaire responses. Respondents (81%) reported a variety of versions of the title, a multiplicity of job descriptions, and a lack of uniformity in the hierarchic rank of the provost. Provosts are more likely to hold sole occupancy of second position in the hierarchy than other positions, but the majority either share second position with others or rank below second position. It is recommended that CSU recognize that the title provost carries no implied responsibility or rank. (Author/MSE)