The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) is responsible for providing vision and leadership for the University’s academic program. Reporting directly to the President, the VPAA advises and assists her and her Senior Leadership Team in intermediate and long-term planning and works closely with the other vice presidents, the faculty, the academic staff, and the Board of Trustees to set Southwestern University’s priorities and objectives. Specific responsibilities and functions include the following:

Leadership:

• In the overall leadership role:
  • Develops, in alignment with the President, the Dean, faculty and staff, an academic strategic plan for Southwestern University that ensures the quality of its academic programs, promotes its liberal arts mission, its market viability and enhances its revenues.
  • Ensures that the University’s academic strategic plan will be in alignment with the Tactical Plan and budget constraints.
  • Articulates the shared vision to the broader community to present the University’s strengths and to attract excellent faculty, staff, and students.
  • Initiates articulation agreements and bachelor/masters combined degree programs to maximize the University’s opportunities for students and faculty.
  • Works with Senior Staff to provide creative and data-driven leadership in developing curricular and co-curricular programs, prioritizing student access, completion, and success.
  • Provides direction to the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness for academic accreditation and assessment processes to improve academic endeavors of the University; monitors accreditation issues and ensures that the University seeks and retains accreditations for all academic programs.
  • Leads a bold, technology-savvy innovator who stays abreast of the latest literature and best practices. Their expertise in integrating technology into the curriculum and operations will be pivotal in delivering strategic, visionary leadership that elevates academic programs and positions Southwestern as a leader in innovation.
  • Drives a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing current practices, identifying areas for growth, and works with faculty and staff to implement meaningful changes to enhance the University’s academic excellence and promote innovation.

The Academic Program:

• In support of the academic strategic plan creating additional opportunities for faculty and students including:
  • Developing articulation agreements with appropriate educational institutions and international universities.
  • Creating certification programs as appropriate.
  • Investigating possibilities to promote senior education and summer offerings.
  • Expanding study abroad institutional locations and paid internship opportunities for current students.
  • Establishing, in conjunction with faculty, new academic centers and programs.
  • Cultivating strong working relationships with faculty members, administrators, staff, and other University constituencies.
  • Establishing relationships with business organizations (e.g., local and national businesses, NGO’s Governmental organizations) to provide additional support for faculty and students.
  • Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across academics by embedding social justice and civic preparedness within programming to ensure an inclusive community for all students and diversifying the faculty across multiple dimensions, including academic background, gender, race, ethnicity, and religion.

Management:

• The Office of Academic Affairs will maintain a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and expectations of excellence:
  • Overseeing personnel activities for the Office, including recruitment, appointment, performance evaluations, and retention of staff.
  • Supervising the Dean of the Faculty, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Director of the Library.
  • Manage the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (SACSCOC accreditation liaison) and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs.
  • Setting priorities, goals, and clear direction for these colleagues, motivating them toward their best efforts.
  • Fostering a culture of mentorship for faculty and staff while providing professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and meaningful recognition for their contributions to the University’s success.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
• Determines allocation and manages budgets for:
  • Annual operations, and
  • Capital equipment and renovation.

Position Requirements:

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree.
• Previous administrative experience at the decanal level.
• Demonstrated continued successful record of teaching and scholarship.
• Demonstrated record of developing and sustaining external partnerships.
• Understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education, including demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty members and all other University constituents.
• Demonstrated record of open, collegial communication style.
• Possesses a proven ability to listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and build consensus.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic.
• Willingness to adhere to the University’s core values.
• Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community.
• Demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituents.
• Proven ability to perform well in stressful situations.

VPAA appoints and supervises

• Dean of the Faculty
• Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Director of the Library
• Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Executive Administrative Assistant

Committees for VPAA:

• Strategic Planning Committee
• Faculty Status and Review Committee

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit confidentially, a curriculum vitae and an optional letter of interest to SouthwesternVPAA@russellreynolds.com.