This article introduces and describes the academic leadership role of the chief academic officer (CAO), also referred to as the academic vice-president, academic dean, or the provost. The CAO is responsible for the development and implementation of all academic programs, including the curriculum content, assessment, instruction quality, instructional delivery methods, and so forth. The leadership of an effective CAO ensures students receive a quality educational experience that prepares them for advanced degrees and the workforce. Academic quality and effective pedagogy depend on this position. The job requirements for a CAO typically include a minimum of a master's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline, evidence of increasing administrative responsibilities, and a minimum of five years of experience in higher education. The range of responsibilities is extensive and includes but is not limited to leading and developing faculty with ongoing assessment of teaching and learning, evaluating faculty performance, providing students with enriching co-curricular experiences (e.g., career and academic advising), fostering a culture of higher education on campus, achieving student retention and graduation rate goals, working closely with the registrar in scheduling classes and establishing the academic calendar, developing and managing academic budgets, coordinating commencement, and overseeing the college and faculty handbooks. In addition to all the above, the CAOs at Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) also play a critical role in ensuring that culture and language needs are met and integrated throughout the college's curriculum.